SomethingBEAN’S TOAST
Kids’ show is ‘too rude & violent’ for toddlers
WOKE warriors want Mr Bean to come with a tougher age rating – because it’s too “rude and violent”.
Rowan Atkinson’s much-loved series, which ran for 15 episodes between 1990 and 1995, is gaining popularity again after being aired on Netflix and Amazon Prime.
But some parents and teachers are demanding the guidance be changed to warn viewers the show contains “rude humour, dangerous behaviour and violence”.
On-screen text currently states that it contains “No material likely to offend or harm” and it is rated
U – suitable for kids aged four and above.
Mum-of-one Jocelyn Crooke, 41, said her sevenyear-old Daisy loved Mr Bean, but she has stopped her daughter watching it after seeing Bean jabbing a dentist and stripping off.
She said: “I love Mr Bean really, but I think some scenes are a bit much for a young child, especially when he stabs the dentist and does his own fillings – and he always seems to be naked as well.” And dad Elliot Green, 38, of Harrow, north-west London, said: “I am of the opinion that primary school children should not be exposed to the kind of violence and behaviour in Mr Bean.
“How can any parent says it’s OK for their young children to watch someone repeatedly getting naked, driving dangerously, stabbing someone with a syringe, shooting a gun, electrocuting a man, and getting stuck in a tumble drier?” After watching the original sitcom, one unnamed teacher said: “I’ve seen all of the Mr Bean episodes several times and I know the kids’ favourites.
“I’ve often thought about if it really is age-appropriate due to some of the scenes. I think it’s about time the guidance rating is changed as there is some very unsuitable behaviour portrayed in Mr Bean.”
DAILY STAR SUNDAY SAYS – PAGE 6