 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Teletubbies
- PBS
- Genre: Educational
Common Sense Media says
Fantastical, benign show meant for the very young.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this show out of Great Britain is a big hit with toddlers and preschoolers. It's never explained exactly what the Teletubbies are, but they're ultimately cute and benign. But the question comes down to this: How old should children be before they are introduced to television? The American Academy of Pediatrics doesn't recommend any TV time for kids under 2; that said, there are no content concerns within this show for the youngest viewers.
What's the story?
First and foremost, the obvious question: What are these TELETUBBIES anyway? Aliens? Children? Nobody knows, and no explanation is offered. Dipsy, Laa-Laa, Tinky-Winky, and Po giggle like toddlers, speak in partially formed words, and apparently live together without parents in their mushroom-shaped cottage. They bounce around, playing and pantomiming, and plenty of kids are enthralled by them.
Is it any good?
Teletubbies, though gentle and mild in tone, might be confusing to the youngest viewers: It appeals to non-order just when kids most require order to organize their formative mind. On the other hand, the show is non-violent, multicultural, and curious. It embraces love and play. It's slow and gentle -- though its emphasis on watching the videos that play on the Tubbies' tummies is a bit redundant.
In the end, although Teletubbies is unique and fascinating, it's not necessarily educational or important. You may want to decide whether it serves as a treat -- or a distraction -- before letting your child watch more than twice a week.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about why kids are so enthralled by the Teletubbies (and perhaps why a lot of parents aren't!). Is it the colorful characters? Their special language? Their bright, fantastical world? The fact that they repeat themselves so often? What do kids learn from these happy, giggly creatures?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Kid, 12 years old
May 21, 2011
AGE
I used to love Teletubies when I was a little kid! They are so cool! Such a cool show, let your young children watch this!!
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AGE
Eek!
Their pancake things look REALLY gross! Will scar kids for life!
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AGE
WEIRD show
This show does not make any sense!?!?! My kids were AFRAID to watch it when they were little. Why are there only 4 Teletubbies? Are they the only ones were (or should I say were the hell) they live. One of the people in the Teletubbie costume got in trouble with the police. It was first a english comedy show for GROWN-UPS!
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AGE
I know I do not do drugs, so what is this? WHAT IS THIS?!?!
I see, it's a (literally) baby show. I grew up with it, actually. Even then, I thought it was worthless multi-colored garbage. And... Well... It was kind of creepy. Honestly, I was scared stiff by those things. Also, I undertand it was supposed to make you smarter. I only felt dumber. Much, much dumber.
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Kid, 12 years old
February 16, 2011
AGE
Smells Bad
Just for 20+ year olds! Dont watch if you have a BRAIN!
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AGE
What the--
This contains no inappropriate content at all, but it's just makes absolutely no sense. Just turn your toddlers to the cleverness of Sesame Street (though it is fun to do the classic Jimmy Kimmel "unnecessary censorship" on Sesame Street clips).
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Kid, 9 years old
April 3, 2011
AGE
2nd worst show on earth
I hate this show for educational value I meant bad education bad messages for messages and bad role models for role models
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AGE
MIGRAINES!!
I gave it OFF for 4, because anybody OVER 4 would die watching it. I tried to watch 2 minutes of it the other day, just to see what it was like. I felt like I was on drugs! After 5 minutes of it, I had to take some ibuprofen. Bin Laden should be punished by watching this. I like horror movies, and this would be a great one if it was actually INTENDED to be creepy. Do yourself a favor and have your kid watch Barney instead. Barney is creepy too, but at least it's not psychedelic!
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AGE
Oh geez
This show scares me......
I used to love it as a toddler, but I'm now scared of it
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy |
| TV rating: | TV-Y |
| Network: | PBS |
| Cast: | John Simmit, Nikky Smedley, Pui Fan Lee |
| Genre: | Educational |
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