Problem:
Educational TV programs have been shown to have positive effects on children's cognitive and language development (Calvert, 2015; Comstock & Scharrer, 2006). But does TV have a positive effect on children's social development? Researchers have assessed the impact of watching Mister Rogers' Neighborhood on young children's prosocial behavior. This program, still seen in reruns, along with its spin-off Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, focuses on understanding feelings, expressing sympathy, and helping others. The children who watched Mister Rogers not only learned the specific prosocial content shown in the program but were able to apply that learning to other situations involving their peers (Anderson et al., 2001; Mares & Woodward, 2012; Singer & Singer, 2001). Similarly, shows such as Sesame Street, which also encourages prosocial behaviors such as sharing and cooperating, increase prosocial actions in young viewers (Mares & Woodard, 2012). This is especially true among young children from middle- and upper-class families whose parents watch the programs with them and encourage their altruistic behavior. Positive effects of prosocial TV programs have been found in many different cultures. Watching Rechov Sumsum or Shara'a Simsim, which are Sesame Street programs designed to promote respect and understanding among children in Israel and in the West Bank and Gaza, was linked to Israeli and Palestinian preschoolers' increased use of prosocial justifications for resolving conflicts. Need Assignment Help