From Screen Time to Child-led Story Time: A Case Study on the Influence of YouTube Educational Videos on Early Language Development

Abstract

The existence of YouTube as the world’s largest video-sharing platform enables global access to educational materials for learners of all ages. This qualitative case study explores how YouTube educational videos influence the early language development of young children aged 5 to 8 years and the role of parents in mediating and supporting language learning through YouTube. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and thematically analyzed. Findings revealed that children commonly watched Cocomelon, ChuChu TV, Ms. Rachel – Toddler Learning Videos, Nat Geo Kids, Blippi Wonders, The Fable Cottage, and Fairy Tales and Stories for Kids, with content including science, storytelling, songs and nursery rhymes, arts, and interactive videos. Short clip formats were mostly preferred because of children’s limited attention spans, although some were also drawn to full episodes and interactive styles. YouTube educational videos significantly influenced vocabulary, pronunciation, and sentence construction. Parents were critical in mediating exposure, supervising screen time, and turning passive watching into active learning. The study suggests that educators and caregivers may further enhance language development by incorporating relevant video content into interactive learning experiences.