Parents across the UK are taking a firm stand against a popular CBeebies programme, with many outright banning the show in their households due to an intensely irritating character. The children's television channel, launched by the BBC in 2002 for viewers aged six and under, features a mix of educational and entertainment content, but one show in particular has sparked widespread parental disdain.
The Show That Sparks Outrage
The programme in question is Bing, which follows the daily adventures and emotional milestones of a young bunny named Bing and his friends. Based on books by Ted Dewan, the show aims to teach children about handling first experiences and disappointments through storytelling. However, parents report that the execution leaves much to be desired, with the main character's persistently 'whingey' nature driving them to distraction.
Parental Backlash on Social Media
In a recent discussion on the r/UKParenting subreddit, users were asked to name their most hated CBeebies shows. The overwhelming response pointed to Bing, with one parent stating, "I hate that winey bunny." Another elaborated, "I think the creators wanted to make a show about feelings, but instead created a show about constantly whining to get what you want. That rabbit is banned in our house."
Further comments highlighted the show's peculiarities, with one user questioning, "Why is he so unnervingly calm? WHY DOES PANDO ONLY WEAR UNDERWEAR EVERYWHERE? Why is EVERY SINGLE ACTION ON EARTH a ‘BING THING’?!" This sentiment was echoed by others who found the character's behaviour grating and the show's universe confusing.
Screentime Guidelines and Behavioural Impact
This parental intervention comes amidst broader concerns about children's television consumption. The World Health Organisation recommends no screentime for children from birth to two years old, and just one hour daily for those aged two to four. The NHS warns that exceeding two hours of television per day can negatively affect a child's behaviour and emotional regulation.
CBeebies offers a range of shows, including educational favourites like Numberblocks and Alphablocks, as well as entertainment series such as Bluey, Supertato, and In The Night Garden. While many programmes are well-received, Bing has become a notable exception, with parents actively preventing their children from watching it to avoid the perceived negative influence of its whining protagonist.
The Ripple Effect of Bans
Some parents lament that the ban is not universal in their families, with one noting, "Oh god I wish it was banned here, both of my youngest love Bing, it's their favourite thing on TV. They had no idea it existed up until Grandma decided that they could watch it at hers...." This highlights how external influences can undermine parental controls, adding to the frustration surrounding the show.
Despite its educational intentions focusing on emotional growth, Bing has clearly missed the mark for many adults, who find the bunny's constant complaints unbearable. As parents navigate screentime rules and content choices, this show serves as a prime example of how even well-meaning programming can fall flat when characters fail to resonate with the audience—both young and old.
