Child Inappropriateness of Select Cartoon Shows

The purpose of this study was to know the child inappropriateness of the select cartoon shows, specifically Adventure Time and Regular Show. The two shows are aired over the international cable channel, Cartoon Network – also the leading cartoon channel in the Philippines.  Using content analysis, the content of the shows, in the form of images and languages used in the top three episodes of Adventure Time and Regular Show, were evaluated by the researchers. The first phase of the study was to gather the data of the images and languages used in the top three episodes of the shows Adventure Time and Regular Show. The data were analyzed using guidelines from UNICEF and The Parents Television Council (to name a few) and each data was remarked whether appropriate or inappropriate for children. Overall, the content found in the images and languages in the top three episodes of the cartoon shows showed significant occurrences of inappropriate content for children. With an audience of children ages 6 to 11 years old, content found in the top 3 episodes of the show do not suit the guidelines for children television viewing. It is clear that the shows focused on adult-centered humor that is obviously not advisable to their audience of children ages 6 to 14.

Keywords: Appropriateness, inappropriateness, cartoon shows