Parents warned against this popular kids' show
A Paediatric Neurologist recently ranked popular kids’ shows in terms of how good they are for your children to watch.
In 2026 it is basically impossible to keep children away from digital screens.
Instead of fighting the system, many parents are embracing the digital age and, luckily for them, there is a plethora of content for children to enjoy.
A big focus for many parents is how educational, stimulating and beneficial some TV shows and other content are for children.
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While many shows focus on being good for a child’s overall wellbeing, there are some shows that might not be as good for your child as you thought.
Paediatric Neurologist Dr Arif Khan recently took to Instagram to rate popular kids’ shows in terms of how good they really are for your child and their growth.
"Do you know how these cartoons are affecting your child’s growth?" the doctor wrote on Instagram.
This popular children's show does more harm than good
Probably the most shocking ranking was when the doctor gave the popular kids’ show ‘Cocomelon’ a one out of 10 rating.
Despite its popularity, the doctor said ‘Cocomelon’s rapid pace and highly stimulating nature is in fact really bad for a child’s attention span and self-regulation.
The doctor went on to rank other children's programmes as well.
1. 'Cocomelon' – 1/10
At the bottom of the list is 'Cocomelon'.
Its rapid pacing, constant stimulation and repetitive structure can overwhelm young viewers and negatively impact attention span and self-regulation.
While undeniably catchy, it is better treated as occasional entertainment rather than a learning-focused show.
2. 'SpongeBob SquarePants' – 2/10
High-energy and wildly imaginative, 'SpongeBob SquarePants' excels at absurd humour but falls short developmentally for younger kids.
Its fast cuts and chaotic storytelling may contribute to short-term executive function dips and do not consistently support educational or social learning goals.
3. 'Tom and Jerry' – 4/10
Despite its nostalgic appeal, 'Tom and Jerry' relies heavily on slapstick violence played for laughs.
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It offers little in the way of emotional growth or conflict resolution, making it less aligned with modern developmental standards, though some families still enjoy it in moderation.
4. 'Pokémon' – 4/10
'Pokémon' brings classic adventure and strategy into the mix, encouraging problem-solving and perseverance.
However, its heavy emphasis on battles and competition can promote a narrower social script, which may not be ideal for very young children.
5. 'Ninjago' – 5/10
Action-packed and exciting, 'Ninjago' appeals strongly to kids who love adventure.
While it includes teamwork and problem-solving, the frequent combat and fast sensory input mean parents may want to balance it with calmer, more reflective content.
6. 'Sarah & Duck' – 8/10
Gentle and whimsical, 'Sarah & Duck' shines with its slow pacing and warm approach to everyday problem-solving.
It nurtures curiosity, creativity and emotional comfort, turning ordinary moments into thoughtful learning experiences well suited for preschoolers.
7. 'Doc McStuffins' – 8/10
A strong contender near the top, 'Doc McStuffins' centres on empathy, caregiving and gentle health education.
Its calm tone and compassionate themes make it an excellent choice for fostering emotional intelligence and early understanding of healthcare.
8. 'Bluey' – 9/10
'Bluey' makes its mark by combining humour with heartfelt family dynamics.
This Australian series provides valuable lessons on imaginative play and the importance of family relationships.
With its engaging storylines and relatable characters, it is fantastic for nurturing creativity and understanding social interactions in young minds.
9. 'Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood' – 9.5/10
At the top of the list is 'Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood'.
With its exceptional focus on emotional regulation, kindness and real-life routines, it sets the gold standard for preschool programming.
The show excels at modelling social situations kids actually face, making it a near-perfect blend of education and entertainment.
Watch his ranking of popular video games.
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