Folks Reckon A New Bluey Episode Promotes Harmful Messages About Weight And Body Image To Kids

If you thought you’d never see the words “Bluey” and “fatphobia” in the same sentence then think again ‘cos a recent episode has been criticised by some folks for perpetuating potentially harmful messages about weight, exercise and body image. In a recent episode titled ‘Exercise’, Blue Heeler parents, Bandit and Chilli, weigh themselves in front of their kids and are disappointed by the numbers they see on the scale. Daddy Bandit then frowns, grabs his stomach, and tells Bluey and Bingo that he needs to do some exercise. Loads of folks on social media, including parents and health care professionals, were disappointed in the episode for seemingly using weight as an indicator of fitness and health, as well as sending the message that exercise should be used to lose weight.

I love #bluey but today's new episode starting with Bandit and Chilli jumping on the scales and being disappointed with their weight, followed by Bandit grabbing the skin on his tummy, was not it.

— Zoe Powell (@zoe_powell_) April 16, 2023