TL;DR: If you’re looking for the "anti-brain rot" prescription—shows that actually teach kids how to be decent humans without being incredibly boring—start with these:
- For the Littles: Bluey (the GOAT), Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, and Sesame Street.
- For Elementary Kids: Hilda, The Dragon Prince, and Ada Twist, Scientist.
- For Tweens/Teens: The Owl House, American Born Chinese, and Anne with an E.
We’ve all been there: you look up from your own screen and realize your kid has been staring at a YouTube loop of Skibidi Toilet or some high-decibel "unboxing" video for forty-five minutes. It’s that "Ohio" energy—everything feels weird, slightly chaotic, and you’re pretty sure their brain cells are currently being replaced by digital static.
But screen time doesn’t have to be a net negative. When we talk about "intentional parenting" in the digital age, it’s not just about setting a timer on the iPad. It’s about the quality of the input. If we want kids who understand empathy, inclusion, and how to actually navigate a friendship that isn't just trading skins in Fortnite, we have to curate what they’re watching.
Here is the Screenwise guide to shows that build empathy and inclusion, categorized by age and—more importantly—by how likely they are to make you want to pull your hair out (spoiler: these are actually good).
We’re raising kids in a world where "inclusion" isn't a buzzword; it’s a baseline requirement for being a functional adult. Whether it’s understanding neurodiversity, different family structures, or just learning how to say "I’m sorry" without being prompted, these shows do the heavy lifting for us.
Research shows that "prosocial" media—content designed to model positive social behavior—actually works. Kids who watch characters navigate conflict and celebrate differences are more likely to exhibit those behaviors in real life. It’s the literal opposite of the "every man for himself" vibe of a Roblox lobby.
If you aren't already a Bluey stan, I don't know what to tell you. This show is the gold standard for friendship and family dynamics. It handles neurodiversity (check out the episode "Army" for a brilliant look at ADHD) and physical differences with zero fanfare. It’s just part of the world. It teaches kids that friendship is about imaginative play, but also about boundaries and making amends.
Look, it’s a little slow for adults, but for the 3-year-old set, it’s basically therapy. It’s the direct descendant of Mister Rogers, focusing entirely on emotional intelligence. If you want your kid to understand that "in some families, there's a mom and a dad, and in other families, there’s a different lad," this is your show. It’s inclusion 101.
It’s been around forever for a reason. Sesame Street has introduced characters with autism, characters experiencing homelessness, and characters from every imaginable background. It doesn't treat diversity as a "special episode" topic; it’s just the neighborhood.
Check out our guide on the best educational apps for preschoolers
Hilda is a masterpiece of "soft" inclusion. The main character is a blue-haired explorer who treats giants, elves, and humans with the same level of curiosity and respect. It’s about learning to live with people (and creatures) who are fundamentally different from you. It’s also visually stunning and won't make your brain melt.
This is a "big kid" show that features a diverse cast without making it a "thing." There are characters who use sign language, same-sex parents, and leaders of all races and abilities. The core of the show is about breaking cycles of hate and choosing friendship over war. It’s basically Avatar: The Last Airbender for the next generation.
Based on the popular Ada Twist, Scientist book, this show is great for showing kids that curiosity and collaboration are the keys to friendship. It’s diverse, smart, and encourages girls in STEM without being preachy.
This show has a massive following for a reason. It features a neurodivergent, bisexual protagonist (Luz) who finds her "found family" in a magical realm. It deals with themes of belonging, the pressure to conform, and the beauty of being a "weirdo." It’s a top-tier recommendation for kids who feel like they don't quite fit the standard mold at school.
This is a fantastic show for discussing the immigrant experience, identity, and the struggle to fit in. It blends high-school drama with Chinese mythology. It’s a great conversation starter about what it feels like to navigate two different cultures at once.
A grittier, more modern take on Anne of Green Gables. This version leans hard into the "outsider" status of Anne and explores themes of racism, feminism, and LGBT identity in a historical context. It’s beautiful, emotional, and very "intentional."
Ask our chatbot for more shows featuring neurodivergent characters
When we talk about "age-appropriate," we usually mean "is there swearing or violence?" But for Screenwise parents, we also mean "is this content actually contributing anything to my kid's development?"
The Red Flags:
- High-Stimulus, Low-Substance: If the show is just bright colors and screaming (think certain YouTube channels or CoComelon), it’s not teaching empathy. It’s just capturing attention.
- Mean-Spirited Humor: A lot of "tween" sitcoms rely on characters being jerks to each other for laughs. If the "friendship" in the show is based on roasting and exclusion, your kid is going to mimic that at the lunch table.
- The "Main Character" Syndrome: Shows that suggest the world revolves around one person’s popularity or wealth are the antithesis of inclusion.
You don't need to pause the show every five minutes to give a lecture on "The Importance of Diversity." That’s the fastest way to make your kid hate the show (and you). Instead, try these low-key approaches:
- The "What Would You Do?" Question: If a character gets left out or treated unfairly, just ask, "Man, that was tough. What would you have done if you were there?"
- Highlight the "Found Family": Many of the best shows for inclusion (like The Owl House) focus on "found family"—friends who become family. Talk about who your kid’s "found family" is.
- Acknowledge the Differences: If a character has a disability or a different family structure, and your kid asks about it, answer honestly and simply. "Yep, some people use chairs to get around, and it’s cool that the school in this show has a ramp for them."
We can’t keep our kids away from screens forever, and honestly, we shouldn't want to. The goal isn't zero screen time; it's deliberate screen time. By choosing shows like Bluey or Hilda, you’re giving them a mental roadmap for how to treat people in the real world.
If they’re going to spend an hour in front of the TV, let it be an hour spent learning that being different is actually the most interesting thing a person can be.
Next Steps:
- Check out our guide on setting up Netflix parental controls to filter for age-appropriate ratings.
- Take the Screenwise survey to see how your family's media diet compares to your community.
- Ask our chatbot for a personalized playlist of shows for your 8-year-old