Like many other aspects of the news these days, it seems like so many headlines surrounding our kids’ screen time usage is negative and fear-mongering. Parents are constantly hearing that too much screen time is bad for children’s social and cognitive development. We shouldn’t start them on screens before the age of two, because it’ll affect their language skills. But how about some feel-good info on this topic for a change?

There was lots of that to be had in recent weeks. Here’s a rundown of studies, stories and more to know about the positive effect some aspects of television and video gaming are having on our youth:

• Daniel Tiger has a long-lasting positive effect on viewers. A study out of UCLA’s Center for Scholars and Storytellers found that teens who watched Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood as preschoolers still remember some of the positive lessons they learned from the show. Episodes of the modern-day spinoff of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood focus on how to handle various emotions, from sadness to anger to anxiety. And almost 75 percent of the teens surveyed remembered specific strategies from the show on how to manage these feelings, like, for example, by taking deep breaths to calm down. And hey, its catchy jingles sure don’t hurt.
  Where to watch: Stream Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood on PBS Kids

• Bluey helps children and parents understand everyday parenting challenges. Why do parents love Bluey so much? Maybe it’s because the scenarios are relatable, the characters are loveable and, honestly, the episodes are perfectly concise at just 7 minutes. But experts, including those at Psychology Today, also note that this popular Disney+ series about a family of (talking) Australian dogs helps normalize the struggles of parenting, and presents them in such a way that facilitates family discussion. Bluey also emphasizes the importance of play in connecting with our kids, as well as why being ‘perfect’ parents is overrated and not actually attainable. My personal favorite episode is called “Onesie,” which tackles Bluey’s aunt’s battle with infertility. Other masterful episodes discuss topics such as grief, moving, and each kid growing at their own pace.
  Where to watch: Stream Bluey on Disney+

• Parents no longer perceive video games negatively. That’s because nowadays, video games, also called “esports,” are not just a pastime, but also a potential career path. A new esports study by Prodigy surveyed 1,000 parents, and found that moms and dads are taking gaming more seriously because they realize that it can teach their kids valuable skills such as problem-solving and strategic thinking, lead to financial gain (as a potential career path and college scholarship opportunity), and even improve their social skills and mental health. Of course, the adage of “everything in moderation” still holds true here, and many games are rated “M” for mature. As with any screen time usage, keep tabs on what, when and how your tween or teen is playing esports to ensure it’s both fun and safe.
  What to play: Esports options are endless, as there are literally thousands of online games available. PC Mag graciously narrowed down the best esports games of 2025, but among the most popular (and/or lucrative) multiplayer games are Fortnite, Call of Duty and Dota 2 (Defense of the Ancients).

Do you let your little ones watch Bluey or Daniel Tiger? Are your older kids into esports and gaming?

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