The warning from a pioneering children’s producer
Anne Wood, best known for creating the beloved Teletubbies, has issued a sharp warning to parents about the wave of YouTube programmes aimed at children. In a landscape where digital platforms dominate early childhood viewing, Wood argues that a surprising number of online offerings are “empty” and do not cultivate the imaginative life that young audiences deserve. Her comments come amid growing concern about screen time, content quality, and the impact on creativity in the next generation.
Wood’s reflections are not a critique of all online content, but a call to action for guardians who want more than passive consumption. While traditional television has long been subject to ratings and education-focused goals, the online space often prioritizes quick engagement and shareability. The risk, according to Wood, is that children may be fed programmes that entertain in the moment but fail to nurture problem-solving, storytelling, and independent play.
What makes a children’s programme “empty”?
Defining “empty” in media is not simply about violence or inappropriate language. Wood points to programmes that provide little in the way of narrative structure, character development, or opportunities for imaginative engagement. Instead of inviting children to imagine, question, and invent, such content may present a fast succession of visuals, sound bites, and repetitive routines that offer little sustained cognitive or emotional nourishment. The danger, she suggests, is that the imaginative muscles of a child may not be exercised, which could influence how they approach play, learning, and social interaction later on.
The role of parents in curating quality content
The Teletubbies creator emphasizes parental involvement as a critical filter. Parents, caregivers, and educators are on the front lines, selecting what children watch and how much time they spend with screens. Wood recommends looking beyond the immediate appeal of bright colours or catchy songs to assess whether a programme invites curiosity, questions, and exploration. Questions for guardians to ask themselves include: Does the show encourage me to engage with my child after viewing? Does it provide hooks for storytelling or creative play? Are there opportunities for cooperative viewing where adults and children co-create meanings?
Balancing screen time with imagination and play
Experts usually agree that balanced media consumption supports healthy development. Wood’s message aligns with a broader advocacy for high-quality children’s programming—whether on traditional television or on streaming platforms—that prioritises imagination, character-driven plots, and opportunities for children to imagine outcomes beyond the screen. The goal is not to banish YouTube or digital media, but to guide families toward content that stimulates curiosity and adds value to daily playtime, reading, and conversations around the dinner table.
What parents can look for in child-friendly content
To identify programmes that enrich a child’s inner life, parents might focus on several markers. Look for shows with clear, developing narratives rather than one-off skits. Seek characters who grow, face challenges, and model social-emotional skills. Check if the content invites kids to participate, imagine, or re-create scenes with toys and role-play. Publicly accessible information such as episode guides and creator notes can reveal whether a programme is designed with developmental goals in mind. Finally, consider the overall pacing of the show: a slower tempo with space for reflection often supports deeper engagement than a rapid-fire sequence of fleeting moments.
Conclusion: nurturing imagination in a digital age
Anne Wood’s critique serves as a timely reminder that children’s media should be more than a distraction. When creators and platforms work together with parents and educators, digital spaces can still be powerful allies in building a robust imaginative life for children. The Teletubbies founder’s insights invite families to scrutinise content choices, seek out richer storytelling, and preserve time for open-ended play that fuels curiosity, empathy, and lifelong learning.
