Educational and Prosocial Media for Children

Media can be used for a force of good, beginning with the youngest among us. This chapter provides an historical and conceptual overview of the television programs and interactive games designed to educate and inspire children. Educational and prosocial programs such as Sesame Street and Blue’s Clues can serve important roles in the early cognitive, emotional, and social development of children. They, along with similar interactive games, can help prepare children for success in life at home, in school, and on the playground. As the media landscape continues to evolve, positive media psychologists, educators, parents, and policymakers must remain vigilant to protect and to grow the space for such content in the future.