According to a study published in the journal Pediatrics, the cartoon SpongeBob
SquarePants may cause 4-year-old to develop short-term attention and learning
difficulties. The findings come from an observation of 60 children assigned
at random to watch “SpongeBob,” the carton “Caillou,”
or draw pictures for nine minutes. Kids were tested for their mental functions
after this. The ones that had been assigned to watch “SpongeBob”
performed the worst, scoring on average about 12 points less than the
other children. The kids in the other group received nearly the same scores.
Also, When tested for impulsiveness and self-control, the kids who watched
“Sponge Bob” that were shown snacks were only able to wait
about 2 ½ minutes before eating them while the other kids were
able to wait about four minutes.
Researchers say that considering that cartoons usually run about 22 minutes,
if watching SpongeBob is impairing children’s attention then watching
the entire show could prove “more detrimental.” They did,
however, say that more evidence is required to verify these concerns.
In response to the study, Nickelodeon spokesperson David Bittler noted
that “SpongeBob” is geared toward kids in the 6-11 age group
and not 4 year olds. The lead author of the study, University of Virginia
psychology professor Angeline Lillard, however, said that kids age 4 were
selected because this is the age group when the most development occurs.
Lillard, says that “SpongeBob” isn’t the only program
that could be cause for parental concern. She reported similar problems
with children that watched other cartoons that were fast-paced. She is
advising that kids not be allowed to watch these shows whenever they are
supposed to learn or pay attention.
It was just four years ago that a study, also published in the Journal
of Pediatrics, raised concerns that for every hour of the day that kids
in the 8-16 month age group watched educational “Baby Einstein”
videos, they ended up with 6-8 less words in their vocabulary than other
children the same age. This finding is obviously not what parents who
let their kids watch these videos want for them. Also, Center for Child
Health, Behavior and Development director Dr. Dimitri Christakis at the
University of Washington in Seattle has said that bombarding a child’s
brain, which is still developing, with too much stimulation can affect
his/her ability to learn how to focus correctly.
Child Injuries and Kids’ Products
Do you believe that your son or daughter suffered physical, emotional,
or mental injuries because a product proved defective or dangerous? Unfortunately,
there are many products still out in the market that can hurt kids even
though these products are supposed to be made for children.
Our products liability law firm knows how upsetting it can be to find
out that you’ve inadvertently exposed your child to a danger that
caused them to get hurt. We help families throughout the US recover child
injury compensation from negligent manufacturers, sellers, and distributors.
SpongeBob study: Do fast-paced cartoons impair kids’ thinking?,
Christian Science Monitor, September 12, 2011
Study: Some cartoons are bad for children’s brains, CNN, September 12, 2011
Study faults ‘Einstein’ videos for infants, Boston.com, August 8, 2007
Related Web Resources:
Pediatrics
Sponge Bob
Baby Einstein
More Blog Posts:
New Crib Safety Standards Go Into Effect Today, Product Liability Law
Blog, June 28, 2011
Texas Playground Accident Lawsuit Seeks Damages from McDonald’s
Chain Owners, Product Liability Law Blog, July 29, 2011
Crib Bumpers: Are They Safe for Babies?, Product Liability Law Blog, April 30, 2011
