Many parents are concerned about the excessive screen time their children are getting. The NHS warns that spending hours on devices can have a negative impact on a child’s attention span, communication, problem-solving skills, and social skills. To combat this issue, a mum-of-four decided to take a different approach.
The Challenge
Ariel Shearer, the founder of Mom Taught Me, shared her experience on Instagram, where she boasts 88,100 followers. She opted to play 90s cartoons for her four children under the age of six for one week, replacing the brightly-colored and loud videos they were used to. The results were astonishing.
The Benefits
• Less overstimulation: The kids were less affected by the fast cuts and loud sound effects that typically grab their attention. • More free time: The children wandered off to play rather than sitting glued to the screen, reducing the likelihood of begging for “one more episode.”
• Improved social skills: The shows were less addictive, allowing the children to engage more with each other while watching.
The Shows
Ariel chose nostalgic titles like Arthur, Rugrats, Little Bear, Bear in the Big Blue House, Dora the Explorer, Rolie Polie Olie, and Blues Clues. These shows are a trip down memory lane for many parents.
| Shows | Original Air Dates |
|---|---|
| Arthur | 1996-2022 |
| Rugrats | 1991-2004 |
| Little Bear | 1995-2003 |
| Bear in the Big Blue House | 1997-2003 |
| Dora the Explorer | 2000-2015 |
| Rolie Polie Olie | 1998-2004 |
| Blues Clues | 1996-2002 |
Comments and Reactions
Many people were inspired by Ariel’s experiment and shared their own thoughts and experiences.
- One commenter said: “Both my kids grew up on many of these shows except Rugrats. We didn’t like how bratty the kids acted.”
- Another commenter commented: “I can’t stand having complete silence in my house, need to have something going on, nice to find the old cartoons they aren’t as violent.”
“I have four under six and here’s what I’ve noticed in each of them. They’re less overstimulated, no fast cuts or loud sound effects grabbing their attention every second. They actually wander off to play rather than just sitting glued to the screen. There’s less begging for ‘one more episode’ – it feels like the shows aren’t designed to be addictive. They engage more with each other while these shows are on. No more meltdowns when screen time ends.” – Ariel Shearer
Conclusion
Ariel’s experiment shows that by using nostalgic shows, parents can create a healthier screen time environment for their children. By limiting exposure to modern, fast-paced content, parents can encourage their children to engage in more physical activity, socialize with each other, and develop better attention span and problem-solving skills. This approach may not be suitable for every family, but it’s certainly worth considering for parents looking to reduce their children’s screen time.
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