Can Screens Enhance Children’s Emotional Intelligence?

In this digital age, screens have become an integral part of children’s lives, raising debates about their impact on emotional intelligence.

Emotional intelligence, often referred to as EQ, encompasses a child’s ability to understand and manage their emotions, empathize with others, and establish healthy relationships. The question therefore arises: can screens play a positive role in fostering emotional intelligence in children? 

Excessive screen time may pose risks, such as reduced social skills and increased sedentary behavior, but carefully selected content can indeed support emotional development as part of a balanced play diet that includes various forms of play and experiences to nurture emotional intelligence effectively. 

One of the options for quality time in a digital world is television content aimed at children. Children’s content has evolved significantly, offering valuable narratives and characters that model emotional awareness, problem-solving, and empathy.

For instance, shows like “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” and “Sesame Street” are lauded for their deliberate focus on emotional development.

 

These programs use relatable characters and engaging storylines to teach children how to identify emotions, manage conflicts, and demonstrate empathy. And there’s a new kid on the block –Stomp! Stomp! Rhinos!, from OAK9 Entertainment use an animal family setup, similar to that in Bluey, and cleverly incorporates playful techniques, such as blowing bubbles as a way to control breathing and self-regulate. These techniques are woven into relatable stories about the everyday lives of young children.

Each season focuses on different emotions and anger management techniques. The topic of the first Season is anger. The first season offers simple and accessible anger management techniques for young children.

By modeling strategies to self-regulate and manage emotions using engaging characters in relatable, age-appropriate narratives, TV shows can contribute to children’s emotional development successfully. 

 

 

It is vital to view screens as one component of a balanced play diet. Other recognised methods of nurturing emotional intelligence include real-world interactions, imaginative play, reading books, and engaging in activities that encourage self-expression. 

The key lies in moderation and parental guidance. When integrated into a well-rounded routine, screens can complement other activities, enhancing emotional learning rather than hindering it, and shows such as Stomp! Stomp! Rhinos! have an important role to play in this by introducing children in playful ways to their emotions so they can start to understand and manage them. 

 

Some strategies to incorporate screens effectively while fostering emotional intelligence include: 

 

1. Co-viewing 

Watching or engaging with children during screen time creates opportunities for discussions about emotions, character behaviors, and problem-solving. By asking open-ended questions or relating the content to real-life situations, parents can deepen children’s understanding of emotions portrayed on screen.

For example, after watching Stomp! Stomp! Rhinos! families can discuss with their children:

• Why did the Rhino feel angry?
• What did the family do to support him during that angry moment?
• What did the little Rhino do to regulate himself and feel calmer again?
• He relieved his anger and then it was easier for him to solve the problem, why do you think that is?

If children and parents repeat techniques such as the emotional management methods learned in Stomp! Stomp! Rhinos! This can enforce screen time learning in everyday life. 

 

 

2. Content Selection 

Choosing age-appropriate, high-quality content with positive role models and emotional themes is crucial. Researching and selecting shows or apps that align with your child’s developmental stage and interests can maximize the benefits of screen time. 

 

3. Balancing Screen Time 

Setting limits on screen time and ensuring a diverse range of activities in a child’s daily routine are essential. Encouraging outdoor play, creative pursuits, and social interactions fosters a holistic approach to emotional development. 

Screens can indeed contribute positively to children’s emotional intelligence when used judiciously. Parental co-viewing with children and talking about the content they have just watched together strengthens bonds and gives children a comfortable way of talking about difficult subjects. High-quality, purposeful content coupled with parental guidance can enhance a child’s understanding of emotions, empathy, and social skills.