Check you out, Disney Twitter account!
If you’ve never peeked into Disney’s world of twittering, be sure to do so. It’ll give you some idea on how social TV and second screen applications can shape programs for children.
Most people would probably find it hard to believe that social TV can have a positive impact on children’s development and education. Mostly because the general understanding is that television is bad for kids. And, as with all other types of excesses, television nimiety is indeed something to look out for, especially in our children. But otherwise, watched moderately and in conjunction with second screen applications, television can be helpful. To make things further more serious, let’s talk more about how networks and content distributors specialized on social television for children can use second screen technology to improve children’s viewing experiences and even educate them.
Photo source: A Kids App
Children do what they see others do
Children learn by imitation, and psychologists, educators and parents alike are most of the times worried about children watching TV out of fear that they may come to imitate the violence they see. But what if instead of promoting cartoons that depict fighting and violence, there were television programs that nurtured handling emotions the good way and television programs that helped children solve problems and think for themselves? What if these programs offered online platforms that complimented a television experience by transforming it into something more educational?
In 2013, 19% of elementary school students and 42% of middle school students were already using smartphones. It’s thus becoming more important than ever that content for children make a positive impact on their development. And positive impact is brought about by positive content. If children saw TV programs that depict getting along with others, sharing with friends and people, they’re likely to learn from that.
Content creators and networks can use second screen apps to introduce online learning games and interactive engagement that associates with content on television. Based on children’s unique profile, various second screen content can be created to assist children with short attention span or children with various difficulties. More video content can be included within second screen apps to entertain and educate kids on cooperation, emotion regulation, empathy etc. A lot of information that is children-friendly can be sorted out and enclosed in second screen.
Real-time second screen applications could teach and explain to children about positive behavior in characters while they watch the program. They can thus act as social-emotional-skills regulatory tool and could even “provoke” the child to imitate similar positive behavior in every-day life.
