Mother throws a ban on her kids watching 'Bluey', citing tantrums, short attention span, and the notion that bad behaviour is hilarious
TOI World Desk | TOI Global Desk | Sep 29, 2025, 19:37 IST
Michelle Barrow, a mother of twin boys, recently banned Bluey in her household, citing concerns that the show encouraged tantrums, boundary-pushing, and an unhealthy desire for repeated viewing. While some parents echoed her experience, others defended the program, calling it one of the best examples of family-friendly children’s television. The debate highlights cultural differences in how audiences interpret Bluey’s humor and lessons.
TL;DR
A mother prohibited her twin sons from watching the children's television series Bluey, alleging it led to tantrums, short attention span, and a perception that bad behavior is humorous. Some parents agreed while many others came to the show's defense, praising its humor, family values, and cultural authenticity.
A Household Ban on Bluey
Michelle Barrow, who shares parenting updates with her husband on Instagram under the name Mama Nous, explained that the ban began three weeks ago after noticing behavioral changes in her children. According to Barrow, the short eight-minute episodes left her boys demanding more, leading to tantrums and boundary-pushing.
Her husband noted that episodes often ended with frustration when screen time was over, despite setting clear limits. Barrow added that the rapid pace made it difficult for her children to absorb the moral lessons each episode intended to deliver.
Concerns Over Show Format and Behavior
Barrow argued that while Bluey contains positive themes, its humor sometimes portrayed misbehavior as entertaining. “It was making them think that naughtiness is funny,” she said. She compared the show to slower-paced, longer-form shows, which she perceived were not as stimulating for her own children.
Other parents online echoed her sentiments. Some compared the show’s short format to “a sugar rush,” with one parent joking that Bluey episodes were “like cocaine” for their kids.
Parents Defending the Show
In contrast to the criticism, the overall reaction of the audience was one of appreciation for Bluey's creativity, humor, and realist family portrayal. Most praised how the series shows parents playing with kids, providing worthy family role models that are lacking in other children's shows.
One commenter wrote, “Bluey feels slow paced and funny with a good message… it brings parents into the show in such an imaginative, kind way.”
A Cultural Divide in Perception
Some viewers suggested that reactions to Bluey may differ across cultures. Australian parents emphasized that the playful, mischievous humor reflects typical family dynamics in Australia. One commenter explained, “Cheekiness is a part of Aussie culture… In Australia, a lot of American shows are seen as way too saccharine.”
This view emphasizes the way that cultural norms condition how families understand children's television. What is mischief in a given setting is perceived as genuine and cute elsewhere.
FAQs
Q: Why did Michelle Barrow exclude Bluey from her household?
A: She reported that the program led her kids to be assertive, throw tantrums, and find "naughtiness" funny.
Q: Bluey episodes are how long?
A: Each episode is eight minutes, which some parents attribute to over-stimulation and incessant demands for "one more."
Q: Are all parents on the side of the ban?
A: No. While some parents related, many were defending Bluey, applauding its humor, family morals, and authenticity.
A mother prohibited her twin sons from watching the children's television series Bluey, alleging it led to tantrums, short attention span, and a perception that bad behavior is humorous. Some parents agreed while many others came to the show's defense, praising its humor, family values, and cultural authenticity.
A Household Ban on Bluey
Michelle Barrow, who shares parenting updates with her husband on Instagram under the name Mama Nous, explained that the ban began three weeks ago after noticing behavioral changes in her children. According to Barrow, the short eight-minute episodes left her boys demanding more, leading to tantrums and boundary-pushing.
Her husband noted that episodes often ended with frustration when screen time was over, despite setting clear limits. Barrow added that the rapid pace made it difficult for her children to absorb the moral lessons each episode intended to deliver.
Concerns Over Show Format and Behavior
Barrow argued that while Bluey contains positive themes, its humor sometimes portrayed misbehavior as entertaining. “It was making them think that naughtiness is funny,” she said. She compared the show to slower-paced, longer-form shows, which she perceived were not as stimulating for her own children.
Other parents online echoed her sentiments. Some compared the show’s short format to “a sugar rush,” with one parent joking that Bluey episodes were “like cocaine” for their kids.
Parents Defending the Show
In contrast to the criticism, the overall reaction of the audience was one of appreciation for Bluey's creativity, humor, and realist family portrayal. Most praised how the series shows parents playing with kids, providing worthy family role models that are lacking in other children's shows.
One commenter wrote, “Bluey feels slow paced and funny with a good message… it brings parents into the show in such an imaginative, kind way.”
A Cultural Divide in Perception
Some viewers suggested that reactions to Bluey may differ across cultures. Australian parents emphasized that the playful, mischievous humor reflects typical family dynamics in Australia. One commenter explained, “Cheekiness is a part of Aussie culture… In Australia, a lot of American shows are seen as way too saccharine.”
This view emphasizes the way that cultural norms condition how families understand children's television. What is mischief in a given setting is perceived as genuine and cute elsewhere.
FAQs
Q: Why did Michelle Barrow exclude Bluey from her household?
A: She reported that the program led her kids to be assertive, throw tantrums, and find "naughtiness" funny.
Q: Bluey episodes are how long?
A: Each episode is eight minutes, which some parents attribute to over-stimulation and incessant demands for "one more."
Q: Are all parents on the side of the ban?
A: No. While some parents related, many were defending Bluey, applauding its humor, family morals, and authenticity.