What Do Parents want from Children’s Television Time?

A new survey has revealed that most parents prefer their children to watch television programmes which make them laugh, over more educational shows.

he survey of 1000 parents of pre-school aged children aged under five, was carried out by Zodiak Rights, which produces a wide range of leading children’s television programmes such as Mister Maker, Tickety Toc and Waybuloo.

The results of the survey revealed that sixty seven per cent of mums and dads would choose television programmes to entertain their children, rather than those which might be more focused on helping their child’s learning and development.

Furthermore, sixty eight per cent of UK parents listed humour as the most important aspect of a TV show when choosing which programmes for their children to watch, wanting a show which would make their child laugh.

According to the survey, Peppa Pig, Tickety Toc and Postman Pat are among the funniest children’s television shows on screen at the moment.

Nigel Pickard, one of the founders of dedicated children’s channel CBeebies, and a former producer of classic children’s shows such as SMTV with Ant and Dec and Worzel Gummidge is now Chief Executive Officer at Zodiak Kids UK said, “Our survey reveals that parents really want their children to laugh and enjoy their television programmes. Watching television for children, just as it is for adults, is very much a winding-down time, and a relaxing activity, so a TV programme which makes children have a giggle as they watch is so important” adds Nigel.

In three quarters of all households, it is the parents who decide which TV shows they allow their children to watch. Although a fifth of parents allow their under-five year olds to pick which programmes they would like to watch.

What’s more, three-quarters of all parents admit to secretly enjoying the TV shows aimed at their children.

Comedian and mum, Katherine Ryan, who has appeared on shows such on Mock the Week, Never the Buzzcocks and QI said, “It’s my belief that a happy child is most open and best prepared for learning. My four year old daughter and I laugh together all the time and we choose TV programmes based on entertainment value and humour. I recognize and appreciate the varying levels of humour in the TV programmes my four year old chooses. I love shows like Tickety Toc and let’s face it, us parents are watching the shows too – perhaps more often than we are willing to admit. We laugh together as a family and that’s what I want from entertainment.”