A new study published in Pediatrics, the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), has found that watching just 9 minutes of a fast-paced, fantastical TV show can immediately impair kids' brains. The study tested three different groups of 4-year-olds directly after either watching a fast-paced cartoon (SpongeBob), an educational PBS show, or nine minutes of coloring and drawing. The group who watched the fast-paced cartoon did significantly worse than the other two groups on subsequent tasks tapping kids' executive function. The study defines executive function as "a collection of prefrontal skills underlying goal-directed behavior, including attention, working memory, inhibitory control, problem solving, self-regulation, and delay of gratification."
Why would watching a fast-paced cartoon impair children's executive function in this way? The study cannot prove causation, here is the theory according to the commentary on the study: "The "overstimulation hypothesis"
is based on the theory that the surreal pacing and sequencing of some shows might tax the brain or parts of it, leading to short-term (or long-term) deficits." So it appears that what kids watch is at least as important as how much. Rapidly paced shows that contain more edits and cuts, or scene changes, seem to be problematic, whereas naturally paced shows seem to have little effect.
I wish the study would have continued testing the kids periodically to see how long these effects on executive function last. In fact, it makes me crazy that they had all the kids there, and they exposed them to the media and tested them, but didn't test them an hour later. I'm not a research expert, but as an avid reader of these kinds of studies, my biggest question is how long are kids' brains blasted after watching the fast-paced shows? My next question is, what about older kids? I'm sure these things will be further explored in later studies.
In defense of SpongeBob, sort of, the study was done on 4-year-olds, and the show SpongeBob SquarePants was created for kids 6-11. Still, many younger kids watch the show and help make it one of the most watched programs among kids ages 2-11. I look forward to further studies that clarify these finding and define "fast-paced" programming in a way that provides more actionable information for parents. In the meantime, it reminds us parents to be as vigilant about what kids watch as about how much they watch. And I guess, don't let your kids watch SpongeBob (or similar cartoons) before a big test.
Really? At a time when our government and economy are circling the drain…THIS is what research money is being used for???
And they used a study population of 60 children? C’mon, stop having first-year residents publish garbage research!
True, this study has a very small population size and is quite limited on other fronts as well, but I do find the results surprising and interesting. I wouldn’t have predicted that 9 minutes of a program could throw kids off that much. More studies are needed to tell if the results are consistent, and more importantly, what if anything it means long term.
As to the research funding, this is a great use for the money. Since kids are our future, and their minds are being flooded with media daily, I think it’s important to analyze the effects of media on kids. The only hope for our country, in my opinion, is parents who are willing to actively educate their children. And I mean in all areas of life skills, values, wise decision-making as well as facts and other types of knowledge. Wise use of media is a big deal in the lives of both kids and parents.
I have banned sponge Bon in my home for years. So haveanybof the other moms I know. The cartoon teaches children absolutely nothing and displays horrible behavior which the characters are pretty much rewarded for I’m the end. No spongebob allowed in my house. Im glad someone did this study and I hope that nickelodeon does something about it.
I’m another mom that has always banned Sponge Bob in my house. Guess there is something to be said for maternal intuition.
All television, movies, anything on the computer, even baby Einstein and elmo, games-any of the electronic media makes everyone’s brain’s do less work. It does affect executive functioning. I love how some parent group that hates spongebob got this study on the news. Parents, educators, government, and science alike should start to realize that this is a change in our population that a crusade on Nickelodeon shows will not change. It is here to stay. Everyone’s brains are different though and some people’s executive functioning might not be negatively affected by media & technology.
what i have a 3 year old nephew that watches sponge bob diego all that and he learns at a 2nd grade level his mother is his teacher and he progreses more than any of her other students
Sponge bob isn’t the same 10 yrs ago. I woke up this morning and seen some nasty scene. One scene where Mr. Crab had a allergic reaction with bumps over his entire body. The other where sponge open reach for the silver chamber, and spider looking worms shoot out and eat his arm until bone was showing. Nasty and Trifling! One hasn’t change since it’s start. It messing the kids minds up mentally and intelligently!!
To that idiot Steve:
Really, you think this is useless research? This is great, important study that shows how over stimulating Spongebob can be for a preschooler, as oppose to a calm, steady show like Caillou. It’s even common sense; mother’s already believed it and now there’s documented evidence based research.
idiot.
This is very useful information in child development, education, and parenting.
But, go ahead. Let you child watch “garbage” fueled by “our government” and let your child’s mind develop slowly and possibly struggle later in their life.
- Medical Student
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