Running head: Childrens media

Childrens Media and Prosocial Behaviors

Taeler A. Loftin
Salt Lake Community College

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Childrens Media and Prosocial Behaviors

Being a mother to a 19-month old daughter, I am often seeking activities that have the
ability to enhance her senses; and that also aid her in becoming more overall knowledgeable.
Since before becoming a mother I theorized, while working with kids with severe disabilities,
that if I was expecting kids that were stuck on a one year olds level, why didnt I expect them
to do what I said, to say please, thank you, and sorry; to clean up after themselves, ect.; why
wouldnt I expect that from an actual 1-yearold? Societys answer, theyre just babies. But then
when asked the same question of a 9-year-old boy with severe Fragile X, his parents dont know
how to control him, hes never going to be normal. They just need to put him in a home already.
Do you want to know what truly separates the 9-year-old boy with Fragile X and a 1 year-old?
The person who views them. Neither one has actual limitations, only the ones places upon them
by others.
Due to my beliefs of no limitations, my 19-month-old is at a 3-year-old level, says over
200 words, always says please and thank (whether it be saying it or signing it), can say and point
to everybody part, ect. Though all of this was not without its difficulties. Kids cannot learn by
simply watching television alone all day, if it were that easy; the world would be filled with
Nicholas Teslas and Albert Einsteins.
Material
All television shows, show some representation of prosocial behaviors and altruism in
one way or another. Prosocial behavior, is any behavior and or action meant to aid another.
Altruism, is the act of selflessness and concern for other. Both prosocial behavior and altruism; is
in my opinion, based loosely on monkey see, monkey do, when it comes to childrens
television.

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Going about project

Im not going to beat around any bushes, or specially word any phrases to avoid looking
like I watched shows other then I would be stuck watching normally; but what would be the
point, right? The reasoning behind the project is to figure/dictate the prosocial behaviors within
childrens television. What better way to do that then to do that analyzing the shows I allow my
own daughter to watch?
Little Einsteins
Little Einsteins is a television show that started in 2005. The show stars a diverse group
of 5 friends, who fly around in a red rocket ship, and share a very imaginative imagination. They
go on adventures all around the world, in turn teaching; the names countries, cities, and states;
along with national parks, oceans, ect. Every episode has a dedicated piece of classical music and
art, that is played/used; throughout the entire episode. Added with lessons that include the arts,
math, and sciences in every episode; included with the unlimited prosocial teachings.
The episode I watched in particular, showed a lot of good morals and judges of character.
One of them being, you never leave a friend or someone you care about behind; that when even
in the wake of danger you never give up hope on them. Listen to others, because sometimes
when you dont you risk hurting their feelings, and them running away; or them being right.
Take turns, sharing is caring, is just a given in this series; they never need to be reminded to
share, its just expected. (Which may or may not be why my daughter loves to shares everything
without asking).
Doc McStuffins
Doc Mcstuffins made its debut on Playhouse Disney in 2012. With a target
audience of ages 2-6; a little a girl that goes by Doc (Dottie) nurses, sick toys back to health.

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Doc has a magical stethoscope that brings all toys around her to life. But she has 4 toys in
particular that are in every episode; Lambie, a stuffed lamb who loves to dance like a ballerina
and give big hugs; Stuffy, a blue dragon, who is always trying to help his friends (sometimes
without really thinking about it first), that even in the scariest of times he tries to feign bravery;
Chilly, is a stuffed snowman (who at times thinks hes real), who is terrified of everything, but
would jump off cliff if it meant saving a friend (in other words completely selfless); and last but
definitely not least Hallie, a spunky fun loving hippopotamus, who is also Docs nurse, that
always puts everyone elses needs first before her own. As you can see, the characters in
themselves show enough prosocial behavior to tickle any parents fancy, without looking any
deeper into the show.
Daniel Tigers Neighborhood
Daniel Tigers Neighborhood is one of my favorite shows for kids, on television. It is a
cartoon spin-off of Mr. Rogers Neighborhood from the 1960s. But, unlike most childrens shows
now days Daniel Tigers Neighborhood is very, real. When I say real I mean that characters in
this show, show true emotion. Meaning that they show their frustrations, and sadness, just as
often as their happiness and excitement; and all though I understand the reasoning behind other
shows only showing characters being only good, and listening to their parents; I think its unfair
to set up that unrealistic Disney standard. In Daniel Tiger characters get upset, and dont listen
but in turn learn ways and skills to work through their problems.
Conclusion
Overall childrens shows do extremely well at demonstrating prosocial behavior, in my opinion
sometimes a little too well. Only because I think its unfair to make children think that their
normal, humanistic urges and feelings are bad, in any way; and I feel like some modern day

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kiddie shows may cause damage to newly developing self-esteem, if not approached correctly.
The educational benefit behind Little Einsteins is superb; its given my daughter a love for
Mozart, she even understands allegro, and she is probably the politest child youll ever meet all
at 21 months; but they never get upset with each other, even when they eat their cookie. Though
it may seem silly, childrens shows should be showing episodes on how to get through bobby
eating my cookie or mommy had work today, and I couldnt go.; and I found one that has
episodes just like this, Daniel Tigers Neighborhood!