Have you ever popped your child in front of CoComelon and watched them be transfixed for hours by the bright lights and melodic songs? You’re not alone – in fact, some parents refuse to let their children watch it because of its addictive nature. Now, children’s author Frank Cottrell-Boyce has even called it out, declaring that it should be renamed ‘cocaine melon’.
‘It’s the only thing we’ve blocked our two-and-a-half-year-old from watching on YouTube Kids within his age range because we feel it’s so mindless and addictive,’ one parent told Grazia. ‘Whenever he watches it, he goes into a strange trancelike state, and will just go silently from one song to the next. I can see why that might appeal at times if you’re desperate to get something done, but for me it felt too strange and insidious.
‘I’m very relaxed when it comes to TV and screen time – but even I draw the line at CoComelon,’ another says. ‘Both my children were absolutely fixated on it at a really early age – at first it seems like a wonderful gift because it meant I could finally get a few things done. Then you realise that anything that makes a six-month-old glassy eyed and slack jawed probably isn’t good. As an adult I find it 80% annoying, 20% weird, but on kids it’s so effective at mollifying them, that I’m starting to think we’re all unwitting participants in a giant social experiment.’
According to Sarah Jefferies, from Paediatric First Aid, it’s the engaging visuals that make it so addictive. ‘CoComelon uses bright colours, simple shapes, and smooth animations that are incredibly appealing to young eyes,’ she explains. The characters are designed with large, expressive faces, which children are naturally drawn to. The simplicity of the animation ensures that kids are not overwhelmed, making it easy for them to follow along and stay engaged.’
It's also the music that appeals to children. ‘The repetitive and catchy music is a huge part of CoComelon's appeal,’ Sarah adds. ‘The songs are easy to sing along with, and repetition helps reinforce language development, memory, and learning. For toddlers and preschoolers, this repetition is not only comforting but also satisfying as they master the lyrics and actions associated with each song.’
Beyond its aesthetic and musical appeal, the relatable themes within the show and predictable nature are what makes CoComelon so bingeable. For Sarah, while the show can be positive for kids, it’s important to recognise the signs of digital addiction in young children.
‘The rapid pace of content, the constant visual and auditory stimulation, and the repetitive nature of the episodes can trigger the release of dopamine in the brain—a chemical associated with pleasure and reward,’ she says. ‘This can lead to a cycle where children crave more screen time, potentially leading to overexposure. As with any form of media, moderation is key.’
‘While CoComelon can be a valuable tool for learning and entertainment, it’s essential for parents to balance screen time with other activities that promote physical movement, creativity, and face-to-face interactions,’ she concludes. ‘Setting clear limits and encouraging a variety of activities will help ensure that children develop a healthy relationship with digital content.’
Maybe part of the problem is that when any TV is marketed or promoted as educational, as a parent it becomes all-too-easy to ignore your own niggling concerns about screentime - even when your child is starting slack-jawed at the screen. This is clearly the route CocoMelon are going down - they've recently announced the launch of a preschool learning app CoComelon – Kids Learn & Play - aimed at children aged 2-5. Based on the CocoMelon show, the app promises 'a safe, interactive experience where kids can play and learn alongside their favourite characters and popular songs.'
A spokesperson for Moonbug who are behind CoComelon told Grazia: 'We develop all our content based on early learning principles. On CoComelon, everything is crafted with care and learning value at the core. We work closely with child development experts to ensure that it is enriching as it is entertaining.'