AFTER SCHOOL SPECIAL Meaning and
Definition
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An "after school special" typically refers to a short educational television program or film that is specifically intended for children or teenagers. Originally popular in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s, after school specials were broadcast on weekday afternoons, immediately following the end of the school day.
The term "after school special" has expanded beyond its original context and now also refers to any fictional television program or film that addresses social or moral issues, often with a didactic tone. These specials cover a wide range of topics such as drug abuse, teen pregnancy, bullying, peer pressure, family problems, and personal issues faced by young people. After school specials are often characterized by a simplified and melodramatic storytelling style, aimed at engaging and educating young viewers.
These programs are designed to entertain while also delivering an important message or lesson. They serve as a teaching tool for educators, parents, and caregivers to start conversations with young individuals about various social and emotional issues. Through the use of relatable characters and relatable situations, after school specials aim to impart valuable life lessons, encourage critical thinking, and promote a sense of empathy among viewers.
Although the popularity of traditional after school specials has diminished with the advent of new media platforms, the spirit of this concept lives on in other forms of youth-targeted programming that explore social issues and promote important values.
