The Evolution of Children's Educational Programming

This chapter examines the transition from classic educational shows like Sesame Street to modern offerings like Cocomelon, analyzing their impact on children's learning. It critiques the commercialization of children's programming post-1980s, emphasizing the importance of engaging characters and the emotional connections they foster. The discussion includes the controversies surrounding programs like Baby Einstein and advocates for the significance of parental interaction in a child’s educational journey.

Transcript

chevron_right

Play full episode

chevron_right

Transcript

Episode notes

The girlies wrestle with the phenomenon of the iPad Kid. They delve into the research around child psychology and children’s programming to answer the important questions: Was children’s entertainment always this bad? How detrimental is the iPad to a growing child’s brain, really? And, why can’t you zoom in on things IRL? Digressions include some lovely Fall Behavior and the philosophical musings of one listener that inspired this episode’s title.

This episode was produced by Julia Hava and Eliza McLamb and edited by Allison Hagan. Research assistance from Penelope Spurr.

To support the podcast on Patreon and access 50+ bonus episodes, mediasodes, zoom hangouts and more, visit patreon.com/binchtopia and become a patron today.

SOURCES:

Addictive use of digital devices in young children: Associations with delay discounting, self-control and academic performance

Brain Development

Cognitive Development

Do Babies Know the Difference Between FaceTime and TV?

Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation?

How Sesame Street Helps Children Learn For Life

How We Got to Sesame Street

I'm Worried About The iPad

Impacts caused by the use of screens during the COVID-19 pandemic in children and adolescents: an integrative review

“iPad Kids” and the future of early childhood development

“iPad Kids” are Shaping the Future of Education