The Psychological Effects of Children's Movies

Many young girls relate to Disney princesses. The characters in Disney movies are often well-developed - impressing young admirers. Many children watch these movies over and over again until they memorize the dialogue and songs in them. Almost all, if not all, Disney movies consist of a hero and a romantic fantasy. For instance, Cinderella’s rescue by Prince Charming can significantly influence a female’s psyche, including her ability to make wise relationship decisions as an adult.
For one, Disney movies provide children, parents, teachers and daycare workers with a little breathing space. While the children are busy watching these movies, parents and others can complete chores, etc. Moreover, these movies can help strengthen children’s communication, language, problem-solving and coping skills. Some Disney movies can even teach children words in foreign languages. Furthermore, these movies are used as a social tool, in which parents and children can come together over a common interest or activity. Some parents feel the need to provide their children with regular or constant entertainment or to indulge them with what they feel makes their children happy. For others, it has almost become reflexive, “Disney is for kids”, movies have become an American way of life from childhood, and of course, this does not exclude other countries. However, there is evidence that child-based movies have become significantly more violent in recent years and that parents have increased the amount of time they allow their children to watch them. In the past, children watched a limited amount of television and movies. Most children in the 60s, 70s, and 80s, tended to go to the movie theater to watch child-based movies, but since the advent of the VCR, child-based movies are a constant. In fact, in the past “going to the movies” was an exciting event for most children. Why? Not only tto watch a movie, but it also gave them a chance to socialize with friends. With the VCR and CDs, Netlix and the like, movies can also become a solitary, isolative way of life. It is important to note that a passive lifestyle that consists of spending large amounts of time watching movies and television can influence a child’s thoughts and behaviors. If a child sees violent, sexual and/or unrealistic child-based movies and cartoons, he or she may internalize these images and concepts and this can contribute to acting them out in school or at home. Emotions from movies and music can also be internalized.