Elsa Angel Rose
Tom and Jerry’, ‘Oswald’, ‘Mr Bean’, ‘Noddy in Toyland’ and more are being replaced by ‘Bluey’, ‘Ben and Holly’, ‘Cocomelon’ and more. Cartoons that kids watch these days are more vibrant and engaging, characterised by high-resolution visuals, rapid scene transitions, fast paced sound design, and more. Not all cartoons today have strong storylines like ‘Doraemon’ or ‘Phineas and Ferb’, but many are now focused on teaching children independence and encouraging them to do things on their own in simple ways. “My son enjoys watching videos on how to build different models with Lego,” said a parent who requested anonymity.
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OLD CARTOONS VS TODAY’S FAVOURITES
Cartoons these days aim to teach children independence. “Modern cartoons reflect our day to-day routines, helping children understand activities like waking up, brushing their teeth, getting dressed, and other similar tasks. The modern cartoon focus is on our current lifestyle, going to the playground, supermarket, having a birthday party, choosing what you want to wear and eat,” said the mother of two children aged 7 and 2, who requested anonymity. Although cartoons are designed to help children learn independence, their high-resolution, visually intense graphics and constant, fast-paced sound design can make them addictive for young viewers. “Children are getting addicted to them more than learning from them. This could be why kids nowadays can’t sit and watch a movie or read a storybook for long. They find it boring. This was not the case with our childhood,” said the mother. In the olden times, cartoon options were limited. They used to have stories that showcased adventure, problem-solving, and more. “We used to watch just for fun while taking a break from studies, not for prolonged hours,” said the mother. “Older cartoons had a really special charm that is truly missed today. Shows like ‘Tom and Jerry’, ‘Popeye the Sailor’, ‘Mickey Mouse’, and many more gave us a warm, imperfect, and artistic feel. They focused on pure fun and made people laugh through simple jokes and silly situations. Back then, cartoons came at specific times on TV, and we would eagerly wait just to watch them. That excitement made them even more special,” said Berneen Fernandes, mother of 8 and a 3-year-old from Panjim. She added, “Beyond the laughter, these cartoons gently taught us values like kindness, friendship, and honesty, without ever feeling forced.
MODERN CARTOONS OFFER MORE THAN ENTERTAINMENT
Even though the primary goal of modern cartoons is entertainment, they offer much more than that. “Modern cartoons often strike a balance. Entertainment is a primary goal. They explore themes like friendships, relationships, overcoming challenges, self identity and more, making them more than just simple entertainment,” said Steffi L. Do Rego, parent to a 3-year old from Old Goa. Many new cartoons send positive messages and educational content. “Ms Rachel’s Toddler Learning Videos & Cocomelon Nursery Rhymes are brilliant & very toddler-friendly. They incorporate slow learning for babies & toddlers with the help of colours, shapes, music, beautiful graphics, simple demonstrations, these really attract the kids’ minds and help in early speech therapy as well,” said Steffi. Cartoons that have violence or inappropriate themes and questionable gestures will not be suitable for kids.
NEW-AGE FARE
‘Paw Patrol’ is a good watch for kids. “The Show often highlights characters working together. In paw patrol, each pup has a unique skill, and missions can only be completed when they cooperate. This helps children understand that everyone has value. Teamwork can help in solving problems,” said Steffi. ‘Bluey’ is another cartoon that is a hit among children. The critically acclaimed Australian animated series follows the adventures of a lovable six-year-old Blue Heeler puppy. ‘Bluey’ portrays situations that don’t always go perfectly, but through a positive attitude, patience, and resilience, the characters learn and grow.
“Shows like ‘Bluey’, ‘Peppa Pig’ and ‘Paw Patrol’, not only entertain but also help develop problem-solving, social skills, and creativity. Unlike earlier times, cartoons are now easily accessible anytime on platforms like Netflix and YouTube, making them more convenient for children and parents,” said Berneen. Another parent said, “My younger daughter likes ‘Ben and Holly’ and ‘Bluey’, perhaps because she enjoys princess themes and relates to how siblings play in ‘Bluey’.” When it is about imparting moral and social values in children, ‘Peppa Pig’ and ‘Bluey’ are favourites. ‘Dora the Explorer’ is still loved for the adventure and its songs. When it comes to learning friendship and teamwork, ‘Paw Patrol’ and ‘PJ Masks’ are favourites. ‘Chota Bheem’ is one Indian cartoon that is still loved and watched by kids.
