A doctor claims there is a worrying reason why young children are “addicted” to the popular show Cocomelon – warning parents to “be careful”.
Doctor Neena Chandrasekaran took to TikTok to share her thoughts on the divisive series, which originated on YouTube.
The show, which has swiftly grown in popularity, was ranked as the second-most-viewed channel on the platform earlier this year.
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It features animated characters and animals with bright colours and fast-moving graphics, which the doctor says could be considered “overstimulating” for youngsters.
Neena, who specialises in pulmonary and critical care medicine, has shared her thoughts in a video that has 1.7 million views so far.
As a mother to a young child herself, she is critical of the programme.
“I would have my child not watch Cocomelon as much as possible,” the 34-year-old medic, based in southern Florida, US, recommended.
She told Need To Know: I think parents may not realize the addictive-ness of media.
“This is not something we all grew up with, and the effects aren’t yet known to a whole generation of kids growing up with this from such a young age.”
In the TikTok, she adds: “If you are a parent and you allow your child to watch Cocomelon, you must be careful.”
She claims the show releases dopamine in the brain due to its “fast-paced music, rhythm and bright colours”.
Neena added: “Dopamine leads to addiction and withdrawals – it’s the same hormone that is released when some people take drugs.
“The show’s fast-paced sequences can lead to problems in developing motor executive functions in a child as their brains are trying to develop.
“Also, the fast-paced rhythm of the show has been shown to alter attention spans, meaning – just like the show – children will have lower attention spans.
“This show has been known to be overstimulating, as many say – in fact the American Association of Pediatrics do not recommend screentime for children under two.
“You will also have a bunch of others that say Cocomelon does the opposite and helps your children.
“[But] for the majority, it goes along with the former compared to the latter, due to the research that’s out there.”
Users have taken to the comment section to share their thoughts.
One person said: “We are a no Cocomelon house!”
“Cocomelon has never been allowed in my home,” another user agreed.
Someone else commented: “My son isn’t allowed to watch or listen to it only low stimulating shows and baby music and only educational shows like Ms Rachel.”
However, others defended the show.
One person commented: “My niece watched coco melon and ms Rachel and can now read at the age of 3… like unprompted BIG words.”
“My daughter watches it and has great vocabulary and has great attention spam, she still loves going outside and is very active,” another user said.
Dr Neena also shared her recommendations for alternative programmes.
She added: “I prefer the older shows that we watched growing up – Barney and Sesame Street.
“For newer ones I’d [recommend] Ms Rachel, Bluey and Dora – shows that have a teaching message behind the show.”
Jam Press has contacted Moonbug, the media company that owns Cocomelon, and YouTube for comment.
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