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Cocomelon is “just as addictive as nicotine” for kids

We live in an age where YouTube has become the modern-day childminder, and what’s wrong with that? After all, didn’t our parents pop in a Lion King VHS/DVD or stick us in front of Toy Story to keep us entertained? At least those were regulated films with real stories and some educational value.

But Cocomelon? That’s a whole different beast. What looks like harmless nursery rhymes is actually engineered to hijack your child’s attention and overstimulate their brain. If Disney was a helpful babysitter, Cocomelon is the kind of bad influence you’d want nowhere near your kid.

What is Cocomelon?

Cocomelon is a wildly popular YouTube channel aimed at infants/preschool children. With colourful animations and catchy nursery rhymes, it boasts billions of views across its videos. But don’t be fooled by its innocent façade. Behind the scenes, the creators have mastered a formula that’s been compared to nicotine addiction. 

Its rapid cuts, overly saturated colours, and hypnotic repetition are designed to hook children and keep them glued to the screen. Watching Cocomelon is a hyperstimulating experience that could be harming your child’s brain development.

What effect is this having on children?

The effects of Cocomelon are deeply worrying. Studies and anecdotes reveal children zoning out completely, unable to engage with their surroundings while the show is on.

Reports indicate that infants focus on the screen 74% of the time when watching Cocomelon, compared to just 11% for other shows. Some parents have noticed developmental delays, with speech therapists and language pathologists connecting excessive screen time to slowed language development.

The show’s rapid scene changes, averaging less than two seconds per shot, mimic the dopamine rush associated with TikTok. These constant cuts overstimulate children, making the pace of normal life feel dull in comparison.

Long-term exposure has even been linked to a higher risk of ADHD symptoms. One study found that 5-year-olds who watched more than two hours of TV a day were 7.7 times more likely to exhibit ADHD behaviours, and Cocomelon’s intensity could lower that threshold further.

@robertmart1nez

He got mad at me because I turned off cocomelon #foryou #fyp #baby #brother #mom

Did the creators mean to do this?

Yes, and this is where things get disturbing. Cocomelon creators conduct clinical trials to ensure their content hooks children. A New York Times journalist revealed the existence of a “distractor-tron” room where kids are tested to see how long they stay engaged. The creators obsess over analytics, tweaking every detail—from character outfits to the volume of music—to maximise attention. It was all about retention and profit.

Children aren’t learning useful skills or morals from Cocomelon. In fact, the show has been criticised for normalising tantrums and resistance, like in the "No No Bedtime Song." It’s not teaching kids language skills or conflict resolution; it’s simply keeping them quiet.

Should I keep YouTube well away from my child?

Personally, I would. Platforms like YouTube are full of unregulated content from independent creators who prioritise clicks over your child’s well-being. Cocomelon is just one example of how algorithms and profits can come before quality or education. Instead, opt for curated, vetted programming that aligns with your values.

In this age where screens are used as babysitters, let’s be mindful of what our kids consume. The damage done by shows like Cocomelon isn’t worth the convenience.

Why did we cover this today?

Usually, we stick to topics that are dad-specific, things like managing new responsibilities or figuring out how to bond with your baby while juggling work stress. But this? This is more of a public service announcement for when you're in survival mode.

You know the scenario: your baby won’t stop crying, you’re sleep-deprived, and you just need five minutes of peace. So, you throw on YouTube, hoping for a miracle.

For new dads, this is about making informed choices, especially when it comes to those moments where you’re just trying to stay afloat. Knowing what content is safe and what might lead to developmental issues ensures you’re setting your child up for success—even when you’re winging it.

Advice from the old-school

I think this is probably why most of our generation can’t DIY hahah.

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That’s about it for now, have a great week!

- Dan from Dad Psych

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