The Surge Of Kids Content In Lockdown

During the worldwide lockdown that has gripped us through the coronavirus pandemic parents have had to become somewhat savvy at home-schooling their children. Relevant programming across kids TV platforms has been a game-changer in helping adults with the task.

The impact of children’s television during lockdown has been huge with viewing figures soaring across relevant channels. 

UK production company Terrific Television, founded by Driana Jones and Nic Ayling, has seen a huge uptick in numbers since the stay at home orders were issued. 

Crucial quote 

Jones said on the dramatic rise in viewership: “A terrific thirst for information led, engaging children’s television that complements school learning is, at present, a constant for homeschooling parents who may feel under pressure to teach enjoyable home learning; they look for resources that educate and entertain, keeping their child engaged and learning at the same time.  We have been creating children’s programming that fulfils this niche for some time, with My World Kitchen and Nick Cope’s Popcast currently being hugely popular for home learning.”

There has been a requisite shift in the way kids programming has been delivered as producers have aimed to make it somewhat relevant to adults watching also to account for a more frequent grown-up presence around young children. 


Jones added, “One of the keys to the success of My World Kitchen at this time is that children viewing the programme see themselves reflected in the children on the show.  The format is engaging, with easy to follow recipes, global appeal, and a run time which is shorter in comparison to some other shows.”

“The children on the show cook for their friends, they feel ‘grown-up’ they are in control so the children watching see first hand how a little effort achieves great success.  It is inspiring and creative and also – crucially – encourages quality time between the child and the adult looking after them.

“One of the reasons Nick Cope’s Popcast has been so well received is because it gives children freedom of expression through music and the knowledge they absorb through the show is subliminal due to the fun nature of the programme.”

Kids teach kids 

An element that has been overlooked to a degree in the events of this year has been the potential trauma caused through the pandemic to younger children. A massive change in environment and freedoms is something that’s hard to explain and was forced to be an immediate adoption by many children with no adjustment period. 

9-year-old influencer, actor and author, River Mason Eromosele, has taken the time to use Instagram Live to help guide other children through the period. Through activities with his audience, inputting positive affirmations and addressing COVID safety guidelines. River is working to provide assistance to young people struggling to process their feelings. 

River’s affirmations are simple yet relevant for his predominantly North American children’s audience. “I affirm I am patient. I affirm I am smart. I affirm I will get through this.” 

His new book The Sky’s the Limit – which is noted as a healing guide – has been intricately tied to the methods the author has utilized in raising awareness to kids through his platforms. 

With many public and private entities slowly reopening the end to the lockdown, and homeschooling, is somewhat in sight. There are many levels of unpredictability however with instances of rising infection rates and fears of a second wave in parts of the world, but with a global change in habits kids entertainment may be booming for the long haul.