Disney and Nickelodeon are cable channels that children and preteens look to for much of their entertainment. At the same time, many of these viewers look at the featured actors as role models.

Although Disney programming and standards have changed over the years, they still teach ethical lessons to children through different dilemmas that characters experience. Other shows focus on audience laughter with light-hearted shows featuring appealing young stars.

Academy students who watch programs on Nick at Night say they have learned how to deal with family problems and who and how to approach when facing a difficult situation. Programs, including “My Wife and Kids” and “George Lopez,” teach life lessons.

Sixth grader Pakalana Kam said, “I watch ‘My Wife and Kids’ and ‘Everybody Hates Chris’ because they are funny. When I watch these shows, I learn how to deal with family problems. They are also entertaining.”

Some shows, however, are for simple entertainment. One of these shows is “Fanboy and Chum Chum.”

Fifth grader Maria Stevenson said, “I watch ‘Spongebob’ or ‘Fanboy and Chum Chum.’ I watch them on the weekends or when I finish my homework early.

“I watch these shows because they take my mind off school work. I think that they’re just funny and entertaining, which is the reason I like to watch them.” said Stevenson.

Sixth grader Angelica Castro said, “I watch the shows that are on Nick at Night and I like ‘That 70s Show’ and ‘George Lopez.’ I only watch these shows because they are funny. I don’t really learn anything from these shows because my attention is mainly focused on the comedy they display.”

TV shows have changed greatly as time progressed. Instead of airing shows that contain some type of ethical lesson, many shows focus on the laughter of their audience. Students watch shows as long as they are entertaining. Many students, however, watch shows without realizing what lesson the show teaches.

Kam said, “From ‘My Wife and Kids,’ I learn that you don’t have a choice of family members. I also learn that being part of a family requires give and take. I learned that you must give more that you take.

“These shows teach me that I should face my problems head on instead of avoiding them. These shows help me realize that my mother is a hard worker and always does the best for me,” said Kam.