TV cartoon favourite SpongeBob SquarePants is a violent bully who corrupts children’s minds, officials in Kazakhstan have ruled.
Its education ministry viewed several episodes and is now telling parents not to let their children watch the surreal animated show.
They say the cartoon character creates a culture of hooliganism, violence and bullying.
Zabira Orazalieva, chairman of the Committee for the Protection of Children’s Rights, said the cartoon character “has a negative impact of the minds of children”.
She said: We witnessed how SpongeBob regularly inflicts violence on others in his community and seems to enjoy what he does.
This has a detrimental effect on children.
“This shocking behaviour remains in the child’s mind and influences how they behave themselves.”
The grim-faced officials from the ministry stopped short of banning foreign TV channels which broadcasts SpongeBob as the cartoon is also shown on YouTube and other social media sites.
But Oraztalieva stressed the responsibility lay instead with parents.
She said: “Kazakh parents should not allow their children to watch the SpongeBob SquarePants cartoon.
“We witnessed how the cartoon SpongeBob regularly inflicts violence on the others in his community and seems to enjoy what he does. This has a detrimental effect on children.
“This sort of shocking behaviour remains in the child’s mind and influences how they behave themselves.
“It gives them the idea that behaviour like SpongeBob is something positive and to be encouraged.
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Source: Mirror.co.uk