According to a report titled "The Effects of Cartoon Characters as Motivators of Preschool Disadvantaged Children," cartoon characters stimulate interpersonal behavior, learning and social growth. Children associate with cartoon characters more readily than adults in many cases and tend to retain the lessons imparted more readily. If a cartoon character conveys an educational or moral lesson, then it can help speed up the learning process in children.
Many cartoons depict scenes of violence or danger, yet whitewash the effects of that violence. For instance, a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle may beat up a bad guy in one scene, only to see that bad guy appear unharmed in the next scene. Without proper lessons to counterbalance those effects, children may grow up aggressive and eager to engage in violence -- unaware that the real world contains far more consequences than what a TV show depicts.
Because children identify readily with cartoon characters, such characters can be positive role models that encourage good moral behavior. Superman, for example, is honest and brave, constantly standing up for the rights of others. The characters in the "Toy Story" movies move heaven and earth for their friends, while Jimmy Neutron demonstrates the value of studying and intelligence. Even Popeye, who lives in a world where violence solves problems, can encourage children to eat their spinach.
Children who spend inordinate amounts of time in front of the television don't always get as much exercise as they should and thus are more likely to be overweight. Furthermore, reports from Bowling Green State University cite a detrimental effect on the brains of children who watch too many cartoons, including children developing attention deficit disorder and, in one infamous case of the "Pokemon" show in Japan, seizures. Regardless of the effects, children must have a balanced lifestyle that includes exercise and outdoor activity.