PBS Kids Just UNLOCKED a New Level: Gaming! What Will Your Christian Family Do – Hit Pause, or Press Start?

By Familyguide

PBS Kids is introducing a new gaming series aimed at connecting with children on platforms they already frequent. This series guides young viewers through various games found on the PBS website.

According to Variety, the program features hosts broadcasting from various Odd Squad locations. They interact via dual video chat windows, assisting each other in maximizing their experience with games from the PBS Kids collection. The show's essence lies in the hosts' dynamic interactions, their gameplay, and their reactions to both the games and each other.

Upon its announcement, PBS highlighted the enduring popularity of gaming content among children. However, they noted a significant gap: few content creators produce gaming videos specifically for young audiences, often showcasing games with mature or inappropriate content. PBS Kids aims to bridge this gap by tackling both problems, simultaneously promoting its own educational games designed for young players.

With children increasingly spending their screen time on platforms like Twitch and YouTube, which aren't always designed with kids in mind, PBS is committed to offering content that is both engaging and instructional. A prime example is their long-running series, DANIEL TIGER. A recent study indicated that 75% of children who watched the show as they grew up still recall its valuable lessons and core themes.

Ellen Doherty, chief creative officer at Fred Rogers Productions, the studio responsible for DANIEL TIGER, shared with Parents that “Witnessing the deep appreciation and affection teenagers hold for Daniel Tiger, his family, and friends highlights the profound impact children’s media can have on young lives.” She added, “Children absorb knowledge from the media they engage with, regardless of whether it's specifically designed for education. Considering how children might internalize the messages conveyed through media is a primary principle guiding our series creation,” according to Parents.

Doherty further explained, “We collaborate with child psychologists and early learning specialists to choose and craft stories that resonate most effectively with our series' target demographic.” She specified, “Given that Daniel Tiger is a 4-year-old, our advisors assist us in comprehending how children of that age process information and what aspects are most significant to them.”

DANIEL TIGER's influence underscores the critical importance of providing children with content that is enriching and instructional, beyond mere entertainment. Since children consume this media during crucial developmental stages, its effects can be lifelong. While this principle also applies to content on YouTube and Twitch, the lessons gleaned from these platforms are often less beneficial for their overall growth.

Although PBS's venture into dedicated gaming content might seem unexpected, it's heartening to observe the network's dedication to connecting with its audience and offering them wholesome material to engage with.