How American Kids are Affected by International Children's Cartoons
Several years ago, I visited my older sister in Austin, Texas. My nephew was around three years old and enjoyed watching the British cartoon Peppa Pig. I will never forget asking him what Peppa Pig's brother's name was, and he responded in a perfect British accent, "George." My sister also told me he would call a flashlight a "torch." As he is now six, my nephew has outgrown doing this; however, I began hearing stories of American children picking up accents while watching cartoons from other countries. This occurrence calls attention to the popularity of international children's shows in the United States.
It is widely accepted that children's television is beneficial in many ways, depending on the program. For example, growing up, I remember announcements before a cartoon would start claiming that the program would help kids learn their shapes, colors, and thinking skills. Although I hear many adults claim that television is not suitable for children, there are many reasons why they are. According to Fun Childhood:
"The positive side is that a cartoon can be used to teach a child how to speak decently, control their temperament, help the elderly, listen to their parents, help the poor, and work in a group without feeling hate or jealousy of their friends."
Of course, too much television can cause lasting harmful effects. However, I never imagined how watching shows from other countries could benefit children culturally.
When Peppa Pig began influencing children, the development of the British accent in American kids was called the "Peppa Pig Effect."
A cartoon that has become similarly popular is the Australian show Bluey:
"The adventures of a Blue Heeler puppy, Bluey, who lives with her mother, father, and sister; her energy and lovable spirit gets her into all kinds of funny and unpredictable situations."
Bluey is available on Disney+ and is a significant hit for kids and adults alike. The show is known for relating to parents and avoiding condescending themes. Bluey is a program for the parents as much as it is for the kids. An article from The Guardian claims, "My kids may have outgrown the cartoon Bluey, but I haven't." Parents love the sentimental storylines of Bluey and see a deeper meaning to parenting in each episode.
Because the show is internationally famous, it is no surprise that American audiences are influenced by the terms and dialects of the show. For example, there have been many TikTok videos of kidsspeaking in Aussie accents due to the show.
Not only are children picking up accents, but they are also using Australian slang. Phrases such as "bin," "dobber," and "oh, busicuits" are suddenly being heard in the vocabulary of young Americans.
my kid has watched so much bluey he's using australian slang
Even as adults, television influences our slang, speech, thought process, and opinions. We must be aware of what we allow ourselves to watch and whether it is beneficial, especially for young Americans. Children pick up new skills quicker than adults, and it is safe to assume that television aids skill development. As television and its trends change, generations will be affected. Generation Z is known for growing up with cell phones and social media, while Millennials were introduced to them later. It will be interesting to see how international shows such as Peppa Pig and Bluey will affect American children long term.
"The adventures of a Blue Heeler puppy, Bluey, who lives with her mother, father, and sister; her energy and lovable spirit gets her into all kinds of funny and unpredictable situations."
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