Supernanny? Only after the 9pm watershed please, say teachers

By Daily Mail Reporter
Updated: 15:08 EST, 7 April 2009


Jo Frost

Supernanny: Jo Frost fronts the Channel 4 show which gives advice to parents on disciplining their unruly children

Parenting programmes such as Supernanny should be shown after the 9pm watershed because they give children ideas for winding up parents and teachers, it was claimed yesterday.

Youngsters mimic poor behaviour they see on TV programmes and cause disruption at home and in school by swearing, throwing tantrums and answering back, teachers said.

The claim about the Channel 4 show, in which Jo Frost (pictured) gives parents advice on disciplining unruly youngsters, was made by the Association of Teachers and Lecturers.

Delegates at the union's conference also criticised the scheduling of dark detective series A Touch Of Frost at 4pm and adult-themed trailers for EastEnders at 5pm as well as shows such as Big Brother, Little Britain and the Catherine Tate Show.

Bradford teacher Alison Sherratt, who proposed a motion in favour of responsible scheduling, which was passed, said: 'Most of the children who often have tantrums, shout, answer back and are destructive watch Supernanny-type programmes and one admitted copying behaviour to wind up his mum.'

Another reacted to being disciplined by saying 'Put me on the naughty step' - a method used by Jo Frost. 'I must make it clear that I have respect for Jo Frost,' said Mrs Sherratt.

'My issue is the scheduling of this type of programme - 12.45pm on one day.'