An interesting study was recently done by Angeline Lillard, PhD, a psychology professor at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville. This study tested 60 4-year olds to determine the affects of fast-paced cartoons.  

There were 3 groups in the study.  The first group watched a fast-paced cartoon, the second group watched an educational cartoon, and the third group drew pictures and colored. The groups were then given tests immediately after to determine their level of attention, problem-solving abilities, ability to follow rules, delaying gratification tests, and memory abilities.  The drawing group had 70% pass rate on the problem-solving test, while the educational cartoon group had 35% pass rate, and the fast-paced cartoon group only had 15% pass rate.  Lillard describes these results as “immediate and strong.”  A follow up study was even done with 6 year olds and the results were the same but not as significant.   

Lillard explains these results as being due to the fact that the fast-paced cartoon engages the senses rather than the brain areas for memory, problem-solving, and controlling inhibition.  Their ability to concentrate becomes inhibited because they are neurologically exhausted from the cartoon according to Lillard.  

Based on this study it would be beneficial for your child not to watch the fast-paced cartoons directly before bed, school, or doing homework.  This way their brains are not neurologically exhausted and they are able to concentrate on school or homework or able to calm their minds to go to sleep at night.

You can read the entire article here.