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What Are They Watching? Parental Control in Children’s Programming
A week ago, I was working at my desk after finishing an episode of Cold Case Files. While flipping through channels, a commercial for a children’s cartoon aired. Ordinarily, I might have ignored it, but the unsettling confession of a killer from a 1977 case lingered in my mind.
In that case, a mother reluctantly allowed her children to visit a fair. Tragically, her daughter never returned, and her remains were discovered months later. Years passed before DNA advancements revealed the murderer—an opportunistic predator who lured victims with charm.
Reflecting on this, I wondered: how are parents teaching their children about safety? Are we ensuring that parental control in children’s programming protects them from harmful influences?
Why Parental Control in Children’s Programming Matters
The cartoon commercial I saw included the phrase, “Love is love,” accompanied by an intense on-screen kiss between two characters. My immediate thought? Cringeworthy. Children don’t need to see such depictions, whether involving opposite-sex or same-sex characters.
Love and Intimacy Are Not the Same
Love, especially in content aimed at children, should focus on kindness, empathy, and mutual respect—not intimacy. Mature themes blur boundaries, complicating a child’s understanding of appropriate behavior.
When these boundaries dissolve, so do societal standards, making children vulnerable to harmful behaviors. Parental control in children’s programming helps set boundaries that are critical to maintaining age-appropriate content for young audiences.
Positive Depictions of Love for Kids
Instead of romanticizing love, children's programming should promote:
Teamwork: Characters helping each other achieve a goal.
Heroism: Defending and supporting others in need.
Empathy: Offering emotional support to friends and family.
Through parental control in children’s programming, parents can ensure their kids are exposed to stories that build healthy relationships and moral values.
The Role of Parents in Monitoring Content
As a parent or guardian, you are the gatekeeper of what enters your child’s world. Unfortunately, many parents are unaware of the subtle, and sometimes overt, messaging in children’s shows.
Be Proactive in Monitoring Content
Children learn through observation, modeling, and social interactions. Content normalizing inappropriate behaviors can desensitize children to advances from strangers or mislead them about the boundaries between adults and minors. By exercising parental control in children’s programming, you can protect your children from these dangers.
How to Take Control
Be Present: Watch TV with your children, paying close attention to narratives and portrayals.
Discuss Concerns: If a program is inappropriate, explain why it’s unsuitable and offer alternative activities or shows.
Enable Parental Controls: Use TV and streaming parental controls to restrict access to concerning content.
Address Odd Behaviors: If your child mimics questionable behaviors, calmly investigate the source and work to correct it.
Seek Professional Help: If concerning behaviors persist, consider consulting a child counselor.
The Power of Engagement
Parents who engage actively with their children help mitigate harmful influences. Whether through quality time, open conversations, or monitoring screen time, proactive parenting can make all the difference.
By leveraging parental control in children’s programming, you ensure that your child’s entertainment supports their growth, safety, and well-being.
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