For children, movies are more than just entertainment. Children can gain insights about themselves, others, and society from films such as Disney’s Moana. This is according to research from Radboud University, published in the Journal of Children and Media. “It’s striking how children immediately apply the lessons from the movie to their own lives,” says researcher Nienke Vervoort. “For example, they said that Moana made them realize you have to keep trying when something is difficult. Like when you’re in school and can’t figure out a math problem.”
Just as brave as Moana
For the study, 55 Dutch children between the ages of 7 and 12 watched the movie Moana (2016). They were then interviewed in pairs. Previous research had already shown that movies can help adults reflect on their own lives. However, little is known about how movies can be meaningful for children.
The study shows that children were particularly inspired by the strong character traits of the main character, Moana, such as courage, perseverance, and cooperation. Many children directly linked these traits to their own lives, for example, to situations at school, in sports, or in social interactions. Older children also identified with Moana’s quest for independence and her own identity.
Personal and social
The researchers also observed that children were able to empathize well with the feelings and motivations of the characters. As a result, they began to think more critically about right and wrong. Many children also picked up on the social issues the film addresses. For example, some children drew connections between the disappearing nature in Moana and climate change in the real world. Others critically reflected on the beauty ideals portrayed in the film.
“These results are particularly interesting for parents, teachers, and other caregivers,” said Vervoort. “Movies can play a valuable role in children’s development, especially when adults watch movies with children and discuss them afterward. Movie stories can help children reflect on personal and social themes that are important in their own lives, enabling them to develop further.”