Remember Moana? The Disney film with the catchy songs and the demigod with questionable tattoo placement? Turns out it's more than just a cinematic babysitter. According to communication scientists at Radboud University, children are actually using movies like Moana to learn how to navigate, well, life.
Apparently, these animated sagas inspire kids not to give up, to work together, and even to figure out who they are. Because, you know, sometimes a giant crab singing about shiny things is exactly what you need to understand your own identity.
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Nienke Vervoort, a researcher on the study, noted the almost immediate application. "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." So, next time your kid is stuck on long division, just tell them to channel their inner Polynesian voyager.
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Start Your News DetoxThe study involved 55 Dutch children, aged seven to twelve, who watched Moana (2016) and were then interviewed. While adults have long used films for a bit of self-reflection, it seems kids are also taking notes.
The pint-sized viewers were particularly inspired by Moana's grit, perseverance, and teamwork. These traits quickly got linked to their own experiences at school, on the sports field, or when dealing with friends. And the older kids? They totally got Moana's quest for independence. Because what tween doesn't feel like they're trying to restore the heart of Te Fiti while also trying to get their parents to understand them?
Researchers also noticed children connecting the film's environmental themes to real-world climate change and even questioning beauty standards. Because apparently, even a cartoon can spark a critical conversation about societal norms. Who knew?
Vervoort pointed out that these findings are pretty useful for parents, teachers, and anyone else trying to guide the next generation. Movies, especially when discussed with an adult, can be a surprisingly effective tool for helping kids wrestle with personal and social topics. So, maybe that movie night isn't just about popcorn after all. It's about character development.
