In many homes, cartoons are a go to when parents need a moment of calm. They’re colorful, engaging, and seemingly innocent-designed, or so we believe, for the minds of children. But in today’s world, not every “children’s show” is truly child friendly.
If you’ve recently sat down to watch a cartoon with your little one, you might have noticed something troubling: scenes, characters, or themes that feel out of place for their age. From subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) nudity to the normalization of dark magic, gender confusion, and even occult symbolism, these messages are becoming more frequent and more boldly presented.
Cartoons Are Not What They Used to Be
There was a time when children’s shows focused on values like kindness, friendship, sharing, and curiosity. Today, many of those wholesome messages have been replaced with confusion, rebellion, and ideologies that clash with Biblical truths and family values.
Some cartoons now include:
Sexualized content and innuendos disguised as humor
Character-driven gender confusion, presented as self-expression
Witchcraft, sorcery, and dark magical elements normalized as “cool” or “fun”
Occult imagery, satanic undertones, and spiritual darkness masked as fantasy
Mind-control and behavior influence techniques targeting young impressionable minds
This shift isn’t always obvious at first glance. It hides beneath catchy music, cute characters, and bright animations. But beneath the surface, many shows are subtly (and sometimes aggressively) planting seeds that go against the values we want our children to grow with.
The Influence Is Real
Children absorb what they see, hear, and experience. A 5-minute cartoon might seem harmless, but when consumed daily, it shapes how they think, feel, and behave. It forms the lens through which they begin to see the world and themselves.
Media has always had the power to teach, influence, and shape cultures. But when left unchecked, it can also confuse, desensitize, and derail young hearts from truth.
What Should Parents Do?
1. Be Present and Aware
Don’t leave screens to babysit your child. Watch with them. Ask questions. Discuss what they see. This helps you catch problematic content and opens the door to valuable conversations.
2. Curate Their Content
Choose shows that reflect your values and uplift godly principles. Platforms like Superbook, Minno, lovetoons, rorktv or even specific YouTube channels for Christian children offer safe, faith-centered content.
3. Educate, Don’t Just Block
Teach your children why certain shows or messages are not okay. Help them understand from a young age how to guard their hearts and minds.
4. Set Digital Boundaries
Establish screen time limits, use parental controls, and regularly review what they’re watching. Don’t assume a “kids” label means it’s safe.
5. Feed Their Minds with God’s Word
A child grounded in truth is better equipped to discern lies. Use devotional time, Bible stories, and worship music to fill their hearts with light.
Guarding Their Eyes is Guarding Their Spirit
As parents, we are the gatekeepers of our homes. It’s our responsibility to protect what enters through our children’s eyes and ears. The enemy is subtle—he knows he doesn’t need to knock on our front doors when he can walk in through the TV screen.
This isn’t about fear, it’s wisdom. It’s about choosing to be intentional in a world that’s increasingly bold about promoting darkness under the disguise of entertainment.
Our children are gifts from God. Their minds are tender soil, and we must sow seeds of truth, light, purity, and love. Let’s be bold enough to say “no” to what doesn’t align with God’s will and courageous enough to guide them into content that points to Christ.
In this age of noise and screens, what your child watches can either shape them or shake them. Choose wisely.
