Disney Channel's Negative Effects On Children

Disney Channel once consisted of amusing and truthful television that would teach children valuable lessons about growing up, such as the social and academic hardships they are bound to face and the peer pressures they are bound to encounter. It also simply helped kids see how to be decent human beings. Some of the shows were "That's SO Raven"," Sister, Sister", “Lizzie McGuire", “Hannah Montana", and more. Unfortunately, they were all taken off air. The problem is not that they have been taken off air; it is what they have been replaced with. The excellent shows of the 1990’s and 2000 have vanished. The shows that replaced the classic shows are, “A.N.T Farm”, “Dog with a Blog”, “Liv and Maddie”, and “Jessie” the type of shows that lack originality, substance, and humor. Disney Channel used to air episodes where the children would partake in wicked activities. Despite their best efforts, they were caught, consequently learning

a valuable lesson such as the dangers of being a follower.

I remember from both Cory in "That's SO Raven" and Roger in "Sister, Sister", dangers of stealing. Disney Channel showed kids how to rise above what is considered "cool" and how to overcome the severe stresses of popularity at what is already an extremely stressful age. Disney used to show kids how they could be ‘cool’ without being popular, and to be themselves, attend school, and make friends that have the same characteristics.

Based on my analytic research on Disney Channel shows I discovered that Disney Channel uses the same plot, except the kids consistently get away with awful behaviors and never get caught, never learning the consequences of their actions. In addition, Disney Channel now tries to teach kids not to overcome the desire for popularity, but instead, how to actually gain popularity and be "cool" in mindless, common forms. Therefore, many children are no longer able to

establish for themselves the difference between sassy and humorous and just plain rude and disrespectful, all in their attempts to be like the characters they see on television. For an example, I have always wanted to be like Raven in "That's so Raven". It was worth watching because it was plenty of educational messages that came out of every show, and it was about a teenage girl that goes to high school with her teenage friends just like any other teenager. As a teenager, it was always amusing to see other teenagers your age on television. I was able to relate to them. Also, if you wanted to learn a subject you could learn from that show. For example, one day the show discussed the human body and its functions. I would not have expected to see the human body being discussed on a teenage, entertaining show that I loved. I did not know much about the human body and I was able to learn from 'That's SO Raven". On the other hand, everything was not always educational in the show. There were times where Raven and her brother Cory got into trouble and they learned a valuable lesson in the end. Cory gets sucked into a world of peer pressure after his friends lead him into stealing from a local mall. But when Raven has a vision of catching him doing it again, she must dress up as a security guard to stop him. Shows like "That's SO Raven" taught children and teenagers how to have fun, learn and to be respectful to their parents.
Any one born in the 90’s would say that they enjoyed coming home from a long hot day at school, having to deal with annoying teachers every day, looked forward to watching new episodes of their favorite Disney shows. I would spend countless hours watching good quality shows. No matter what time of day, I found myself watching an amusing show. In today’s time, if you have been watching Disney Channel you will find the total opposite. Times have changed, and more importantly shows changed too. “Lizzie McGuire” transformed into a show named “A.N.T Farm”, and it is about an eleven year old genius, Chyna, with an amazing voice. I remember when Lizzie used to sing; she also had an amazing voice and was a genius as well. Sadly, what used to be Lizzie is now Chyna, and it is disappointing to see one of my favorite characters, dismissed and stumbled by an eleven year old. “Hannah Montana” became two twin sisters bickering at each other in “Liv and Maddie”. Last but not least, “That’s SO Raven” was overtaken by a Nanny with ungrateful adopted kids in “Jessie”. In one recalled episode of “Jessie” Zuri throws a pancake at a gluten-free appetite character, and Jessie just sat there like an idiot watching and does not get up to stop the fighting. Kids are buying into this ridiculous display of characters. I am hoping the shows will get better, otherwise kids in the future will never learn how to be as smart as Lizzie, as cool as Raven, and as talented as Hannah Montana.
Old Disney shows had bigger meaning for society. For example, Lizzie McGuire discussed the treacherous struggles of dealing with awkward stages and bullies. In addition to that, in one episode of “That’s SO Raven”, Raven taught children about body image and how beauty did not only come in sizes two and four. The type of lessons children need to learn today instead of learning how to dance, and making conversation with a talking dog. I worry about the future generation if producers continue making these awful shows like “Dog with a Blog”. Entertainment impacts children and I believe that teaching children about a “dog” with a “blog” will influence them to actually believe dogs operate computers and write blogs. I was taught that the only thing a dog can do to communicate is bark and cry. Children will believe anything you tell them because their minds are not fully developed. Disney Channel is continuing to brain wash them and I do not respect them for that. Disney Channel had such a good reputation, but that clearly diminished with the addition of pointless shows.