Parenting Tips: Does 'Peppa Pig' Influence A Toddler To Adapt A Negative Behavior?

"Peppa Pig" is one of the most popular TV shows that managed to grasp toddlers' attention. It may be like any other TV shows that are ideal for kindergarteners but there are several instances that Nickelodeon's "Peppa Pig," was banned in various countries as it is said to have a negative impact towards its young viewers.

"Peppa Pig" caused alarm among parents as it was reported that toddlers display negative attitude after watching one to two episodes of "Peppa Pig." Most parents noted that their toddlers would imitate George, Peppa's brother, who highly despises vegetables and would only opt for sweets.

Dr. Aric Sigman stated that toddlers can easily imitate Peppa Pig and her brother's behavior as they can easily absorb what they see on TV. He then added that parents can't just tell their toddlers that Peppa Pig is unrealistic as they can't easily distinguish the difference between fantasy and reality.

"There's nothing special about Peppa Pig - the same applies to all programs," Dr. Sigman told Daily Mail. "Some 80 percent of brain development is between birth and three years old, so if they spend a lot of time watching the TV, they will copy forms of behaviors that they see on the TV. The problem is you can't distinguish between children what is real and pretend. You can't just say to the child the pig was only pretending it was naughty."

Aside from Sigman, Dr. Karen Phillip also stated that TV programs such as "Peppa Pig" highly influence a child's behavior in a negative way. She then added that children who are fascinated with the show can turn into "emotionless zombies" as it causes them to lack empathy, according to TenPlay.

"Even with their friends, they'll play next to them on an iPad but not with them," Dr.Phillip said. "They're sitting in front of a screen and being entertained externally and continuously. Even four and five-year-olds are losing the ability to come up with new games, new concepts and new ideas because they're so used to being entertained by an external source."

Parents should be cautious when it comes to their child's cartoon preference as these characters can potentially turn into their role models. "Peppa Pig" was already banned in several countries, including Australia, which banned one "Peppa Pig episode."

ABC Australia withdrew the "Peppa Pig" episode that features Daddy Pig picking up a spider, with the message implying that spiders aren't scary at all. Though it may teach children to be bold when it comes to their eight-legged friends, parents were alarmed as Australia is home to the world's most venomous spiders that can potentially harm their children, Daily Mail reports.