Experts suggest:

Children’s stories serve as early social and emotional education. Romantic storylines in such narratives can shape a child’s understanding of love, partnership, and boundaries. This report explores:

At its core, a cerita anak sama narrative involves two (or more) protagonists who share a significant portion of their formative years together. They are neighbors, childhood best friends, or classmates who navigated the awkwardness of puberty, the pressure of exams, and the discovery of identity side-by-side.

In children's media, romantic themes are often portrayed as "Friendship-Plus".