SWEARING ON CBBC ACCEPTABLE?

[Nancy123]

TV PROGRAM: Tracy Beaker Returns - Series 3, 4. Big Brother
AIRED ON THE CBBC CHANNEL AT 17:00 FRIDAY 20th January 2012.

Whilst I feel the behavior expressed by the children in this program by shouting at each other and the adults not very encouraging behavior for young viewers, I just about tolerate my 8 year old daughter watching this program.

However, 21 minutes into this particular episode there is a strong exchange of words between 2 brothers in a market location at the DVD stall. When one brother (Liam) asks " Why didn't you come forward or did you enjoy watching your brother being sent down" the other (Jack) replies "it made me feel sh*t!"

I couldn't believe swear words as strong as this were being written into the script of children's TV programs especially when aired at 5pm!!
As I was unsure that I heard correctly I watched the program again on the iPlayer and yes the "Sh*t" word was used.!!

This is totally unacceptable, is the BBC saying to our young children that to use such language in this form of vocabulary is acceptable?

'should not' NOT 'should'............oops

It's just another word for poo though isn't it?

Following that logic, cunt is another word for vagina

Well it's all a moot point isn't it, since the word used was sick, not shit.

The thread has moved on somewhat, regardless of what was said, with some loons insisting swearing is acceptable on children's television while the more sane posters are pointing out that quite clearly it is not acceptable, despite what the children might hear in real life.

But for goodness sake no one said 'shit' on Tracey Tossing Beaker it was 'sick.'

It would although some people seem to get upset by words that might sound a bit like swear words - desperate to find something to be upset/outraged by.

Mary Whitehouse is alive and well and living in Mumsnet.

If you want some quality swearing..I give you Mr Malcolm Tucker.

Both big and clever

Compo, the point is, BEFORE it was established that there was no swearing on CBBC, some (most) posters seemed to think that swearing on Tracy Beaker was somehow OK, cos they hear worse in the playground. "Shit" isnt particularly strong, but no, I dont really want my child using it in his every day vocabulary.

I swear probably too much - sometimes in front of (occasionally at) the kids. But even I think that kids TV is kids TV, and should not include swearing/murder/rape to name but a few. Just because they "happen" in real life, doesnt mean they should be "normalised" on kids TV. Eastenders and Coronation St do not even feature swearing, so why do some people think it would have been OK on kids TV? I am not saying we should all get offended and write to our MPs, but it's OK to think it's wrong.

I am often surprised at the judgmental/mocking comments on MN. A point can be made without taking the piss out of someone else who has posted. To say that people who were concerned ABOUT SWEARING ON A CHANNEL FOR 6 YR OLDS are "professionally offended" is frankly ludicrous, and a lazy argument.

'professionally offended' is a patronising phrase that is becoming over-used, IMO.

But even I think that kids TV is kids TV, and should not include swearing/murder/rape to name but a few. Just because they "happen" in real life, doesnt mean they should be "normalised" on kids TV

It didn't happen, so there's nothing to get excited about. Maybe all of those tut-tutting in disgust should have checked what was broadcast rather joining the Greek chorus of righteous indignation.

The (Non) swearing aside, if posters are concerned about some of the grittier themes in Tracy Beaker, they should not let their younger children watch it. Tracy Beaker is a show clearly targeted at older children and parents who aren't monitoring their children's viewing habits shouldn't really start looking to themselves first.

As I have stated before, if TV is used as moving wallpaper/electronic child minder children will see something not suitable.

As for 'professionally offended' being patronising - Ever seen the Daily Mail message boards? Hoards of people seemingly itching to find things to start frothing at the mouth about.

A classic example of the professionally offended in action would be the Daily Mail's role in the Ross/Brand/Sachs business. Their site had a Youtube clip so that those who had never heard the original broadcast and never would do in the course of their everyday listening could listen to excerpts of the show with the specific aim of being offended. It then gave details of how to contact the Mail and tell them how outraged they were.

Whilst this thread is nowhere in the same league, the pattern of the OP mishearing something and repeating the mis-information and then numerous others leaping onto the 'isn't it a disgrace' bandwagon without checking for themselves is rather depressing.

Surely those on both sides of the swearing on Kids TV debate should have been more certain of their facts before adopting such entrenched positions.

Professionally offended is just a lazy turn of phrase.

It's better just to explain why you disagree rather than try to put labels on people. As soon as you label people they ignore you.