Screen Time: Yes', No's, and Maybe So's

Television shows can be categorized into low-stimulation and high-stimulation shows, each impacting their viewers, especially younger audiences, differently.

Characteristics of Low-Stimulation TV Shows

Low-stimulation TV shows are designed to aid focus and emotional regulation through a combination of slow pacing, soothing voices, and muted colors. These elements contribute to a calm viewing experience.

Key Features:

Pacing & Editing: These shows are characterized by slow, deliberate pacing with longer scene durations, allowing viewers to absorb content at a more leisurely pace.

Audio & Visuals: The use of natural sounds and soft color palettes creates a serene environment for viewers.

Content & Narrative: The narratives are gentle and predictable, as seen in shows like Puffin Rock or Trash Truck.

Characteristics of High-Stimulation TV Shows

In contrast, high-stimulation shows engage viewers using fast cuts, bright colors, and loud noises. These elements are akin to a dopamine rush, similar to what one might experience with a show like CoComelon. While they capture attention quickly, they often lead to irritability and behaviors similar to addiction in children.

Key Features:

Pacing & Editing: High-stimulation shows feature rapid scene changes, often faster than every four seconds, keeping viewers constantly engaged.

Audio & Visuals: These shows employ loud music and intense sound effects, alongside bright, neon, or neon-saturated colors to maintain high energy levels.

Content & Narrative: The plots are frequently chaotic, fantastical, or delivered at a rapid pace, creating an exhilarating but potentially overwhelming experience.

Behavioral Impact

High-stimulation content has been linked to reduced attention spans, increased hyperactivity, and difficulties transitioning away from screen time. Conversely, low-stimulation shows support relaxation and enhance emotional regulation, providing a more balanced viewing experience.

I asked over 650 parents which programs are an absolute no's in their homes, and which programs they are loving. The findings are:

Shows families are NOT ❌ loving:

• Cocomelon
• Caillou
• Blippi
• Peppa Pig
• Ryan’s World
• Pinkfong
• Moon bug
• Meeka
• Bing
• Gigantosaurus
• Bebefin
• Baby Shark
• Barbie Vlog
• Bob the Builder (new version)
• Little Angel
• My Little Pony
• Booba
• Nastya
• Dog Days Out
• Vlad and Niki

Shows families either LOVE ❤️ OR HARD PASS ❌:

• Ms. Rachel (I love her, some newer episodes are a bit on the overstimulating side, though!)
• Anything on YouTube Kids
• SpongeBob
• Paw Patrol
• Bluey
• Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
• Sensory Fruit
• Doggyland
• Trash Truck
• Spidey & Friends
• Little Baby Bum
• Max & Ruby
• Cosmic Kids Yoga
• Curious George
• Barney
• BubbleGuppies
• DinoPops
• Danny Go!
• Two Minute Tales
• Where’s Waldo
• Lego Jurassic World
• Creature Cases
• Rugrats
• Shaun the Sheep
• PJ Masks
• Dino Ranch
• Strawberry Shortcake
• Fancy Nancy
• Teletubbies
• Little Einsteins
• Bernstein Bears
• My Little Pony
• Care Bears
• Go Dog Go!
• Chico Bon Bon
• OG Scooby Doo
• Stella and Sam
• Morphle
• Cory Carson
• Mush Mush and the Mushables
• OG Pokémon
• Masha and the Bear
• Ada Twist Scientist
• Word Party
• Super Monsters
• Hilda
• Paddington Bear
• Blaze

Shows families LOVE ❤️:

• Tumble Leaf
• Alphablocks
• Numberblocks
• Wild Kratts
• Daniel Tiger
• Mr. Rogers
• Super Simple Songs
• Pocoyo
• Pingu
• Lucas the Spider
• Little Bear
• Franklin
• Bear in the Big Blue House
• OG Blues Clues
• Arthur
• Rocket Dog
• Carl the Collector
• Phoebe and Jay
• Puffin Rock
• Stinky & Dirty Show
• Sesame Street
• Dinosaur Train
• Colossal Questions
• Thomas the Train (OG)
• Rollie Pollie Ollie
• Out of the Box
• Clifford
• The Snoopy Show
• If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
• The Snowy Day
• Oswald
• Peg + Cat
• Octonauts
• Maisy
• Pete the Cat
• Duck & Goose
• Guess How Much I Love You
• Madeline
• Harry’s Bucket of Dinosaurs
• Storytime Vooks/Vooks App
• Big Comfy Couch
• Kipper
• Rhyme Town
• Storybots
• Blaze
• Hey Dugee
• Little Bill
• Stanley
• PB&J Otter
• Frog & Toad
• Dragon Tales
• Tab Time (YouTube)
• Lucas & Friends
• Shape Island
• Magic School Bus
• Stillwater
• Carl the Collector
• Pinkilicious
• Through the Woods
• Super Why!
• Milo
• The Kindness Show
• Work it Out Wombats
• OG Dora
• OG The Wiggles
• Nature Cat
• Word World
• Gecko’s Garage
• Molly of Denali
• Maya and Miguel
• Timothy Goes to School
• Lyla in the Loop
• Miss Spider’s Sunnypatch Kids
• Elinor Wonders Why
• Maggie and the Ferocious Beast
• OG Winnie the Pooh
• Beat Bugs

Streaming Apps:

• Paramount+
• Peacock Kids
• Netflix Kids
• Roku PlayLearn Channel
• PBS
• YouTube Kids
• Tubi
• Apple TV Kids
• Vooks
• HappyKids
• Sensical