KZN preschool says parents should not allow their children to watch YouTube show Huggy Wuggy, warns of bad effect on behaviour

Huggy Wuggy has become so popular as a standalone character that fan-made videos have made it onto websites like YouTube. Picture: YouTube.com

Huggy Wuggy has become so popular as a standalone character that fan-made videos have made it onto websites like YouTube. Picture: YouTube.com

Published Aug 4, 2022

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Durban - A KwaZulu-Natal preschool has warned parents not to allow their children to watch a show on YouTube called Huggy Wuggy due to the fact that it has a bad effect on children's behaviour.

IOL recently reported that Huggy Wuggy is a frightening blue bear with lanky limbs and razor sharp teeth that sings worrying songs about hugging and killing. The bear reportedly tells children to kill themselves or their parents.

A notice to parents issued by the preschool warned parents not to allow their children to watch the programme.

“It's been brought to our attention that some Grade R children have been watching a programme on YouTube called ‘Huggy Wuggy’ which has a very bad effect on children's behaviour,” said the school.

The school said it would not tolerate or promote conversations about Huggy Wuggy and it would not allow role play from the programme on the playground.

The school said if staff determine which particular child was watching the programme, it would be brought to the attention of the parent immediately and would need to be dealt with urgently.

According to the preschool, staff have discussed with the children that talk about the show is not allowed at school.

“Please parents, safeguard your children and make sure you have age appropriate programmes on your devices and parental blocks and passwords. Do not leave your children unattended on devices as you never know what may pop up,” said the school.

The school added that it was aware that some children have their own cellphones and raised concerns that cellphones are too advanced for preschool children.

“Please keep an eye out for this ‘Huggy Wuggy’ ’talk and behaviour,” warned the school.

THE MERCURY