From Playgrounds to Screens: A Case Study on the Socio-Cultural and Environmental Factors Behind Children’s Cartoon Preferences in Northern Bangladesh

The growing interest in watching cartoons among children worldwide has raised concerns about its impact on their development, particularly in language, behavior, and physical activity. While extensive research has explored the influence of cartoons on children's behavior, there is a noticeable gap in understanding the socio-cultural and environmental factors contributing to children's preference for watching cartoons in Bangladesh. This study aims to fill this gap by analyzing the socio-cultural and ecological reasons behind children's increasing screen time. Using a qualitative research approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), casual observation, and storytelling. The findings reveal a complex interplay of socio-cultural and environmental factors, including the lack of outdoor play spaces, safety concerns, urbanization, and parental focus on career commitments. These all contribute to children's preference for watching cartoons over engaging in physical outdoor activities. Urban congestion and academic pressures further exacerbate this trend, with children spending more time indoors, often in front of screens. This research highlights the significant role of these socio-cultural and environmental influences in shaping children's media consumption patterns and calls for strategies to promote a balanced lifestyle, including screen time and physical activity. The study's insights have important implications for future policies and interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of excessive screen time and encourage healthier media consumption habits among children.