'Peppa Pig' sparks debates among Chinese parents

An online post about Peppa Pig, a British preschool animation, has recently created a buzz among Chinese parents, as they're worried that their children will become like the characters.

The post shared by a parent said: "I want to remind every mother out there. Don't let your kids watch Peppa Pig," saying that her child has been jumping up and down on the bed, ground, sofa and mud puddles. Also, she was very upset about the kid who "likes to grunt like pigs."

The complaint quickly resonated with other parents, who eagerly shared similar personal experiences.

"They look silly," a mother named Zhao Xiaoyan said. "The animation means well, but after all, we are human, not a pig. There will be problems if a kid imitates exactly what the characters do. It is difficult to control their behaviors."

But there were many parents who disagreed.

"We often ask children how chicks and ducklings make noises. So why can't they learn how to grunt like pig? Are they discriminating animals?" said Wang Jing, a mother of a two-year-old son, who thought people were just making a fuss.

Wang and her son are both fans of Peppa Pig. Wang believes the animation teaches children to be polite, and helps improve language ability.

"Its core is about family, and it enlightens adults as well," she added. Wang also mentioned that the setting of social division of labor in the animation is beneficial, in which each parent has a clear professional identity.

Peppa Pig is shown in over 180 countries and regions and translated into 40 languages. The show has been a hit in China since launching in 2015 with 34 billion views on video sites IQIY, Youku and Tudou.

China is also the biggest area for Peppa app downloads and for traditional story books, the company said.