This paper investigates the genre of animation and the contemporary practices of childhood. The aim is to examine the relationship between children and cartoons and to observe wider spectra in the relationship between education and media by analyzing different mediation mechanisms with emphasis on restrictive and instructive processes. In the restrictive bias, this paper studies the Brazilian advisory rating system based on its social legitimacy – of the social agents who are for and against – and compares it with the Portuguese case. It also analyzes the legislative history and classification method of the advisory rating. Subsequently, in the instructional bias, we conducted field research with children, parents, and animators (Portuguese and Brazilian) to observe the discourse of these groups during collective interviews based on the cartoon Adventure Time and the theme of violence. Finally, in the context of Media Literacy and Education for Media, we discuss the pre-conclusions based on interviews with experts and indicate guidelines for the school and family environments and for cartoon production. The debates and analyses indicate that restrictive mechanisms have a minimal effect on contemporary childhood habits, especially in the studied age group (from 10 to 12 years); it would be more relevant to conduct the child to a positive interpretation, to an understanding that is considered appropriate, than to simply prohibit access. By allowing room for real experiences and by listening to the things children want to talk about, we also allow them to discuss their media universe and talk about their preferred cartoons and games and the social networks they use. When children are encouraged to reinforce their critical autonomy, they develop the capacity to redefine the meaning of media content. In this sense, enabling parents, teachers, and animation professionals (especially producers and writers) in terms of availability and diversity is a positive strategy toward creating environments that are truly conducive to meaningful mediation.