Children's show rapped over gagging scene

An ITV children’s drama has been rapped by the British broadcasting watchdog for a scene in which a character was gagged and appeared to be tied to the coat hooks in a school changing room.

The primary school children in Bernard, shown on ITV1, were seen re-enacting a medieval jousting tournament in the January episode.

The main character, Bernard, had been determined to prevent the class bully, Nicolette, from taking part in the day’s events.

Media watchdog Ofcom said the gagging scene was “problematic”, adding: “Broadcasters should be aware of showing behaviour which is likely to be easily imitable and dangerous.

“Although ITV says that the actress was standing on a bench, and we have no reason to doubt this, this was not apparent from the footage.

“Nicolette appeared to be hanging directly from the coat hangers with rope.”

It said: “Gagging is an action that is easily imitable by children and potentially highly dangerous, particularly when combined with restraining material.

“Overall, we were concerned that children could imitate this behaviour, without recognising the consequences.

“Although the scene illustrated Bernard’s success in foiling Nicolette’s plans, this did not provide a sufficient editorial justification for this content.”

ITV said the gag was made of a material similar to a girl’s hairband, but Ofcom said that fact would be lost on most children.