Do you let your child/children watch SPONGEBOB ?

Amy - posted on 10/21/2011

Never... letting a pre k or elementary age child watch Sponge Bob is lazy and wrong.

Emily - posted on 10/20/2011

No its meant for adults when it first came out and so i dont let my daughter watch that crap

Teira - posted on 10/18/2011

My daughter love spongebob. I honestly do not like it because they shouldnt talk the way they do first of all. And he doesnt teach the children anything. I allow her to watch it sometimes, but i rather her her watch educational shows.

Leslie - posted on 10/18/2011

No, but I have other relatives who have banned that show for the very same reason. My cousin's 7 year old told her to "rot in a sack." She knew where that came from and issued a no more Spongebob decree.

I don't blame you for not letting her watch it. It adds nothing to her life but insolence and negativity. There are other things she can do with her time.

Overall, we have scaled back our own TV watching to avoid shows like that. It's difficult, but if the TV is on, everything else seems to stop--talking, reading, singing...all the good stuff that makes a family. Don't get me wrong, it is on most nights, but we direct our 2 year old activities to other activities. I often take her out of the room. It's tough, but sometimes it's easier just to turn it off, record what you want to see, and watch it when they are asleep.

Few things irk me more than seeing a child in a TV stupor...just sitting with a blank look in their eyes, staring. I feel like they've been kidnapped! Ok, that's my soap box issue.

Anyway, I support your decision. Ban Spongebob.

Kasey - posted on 10/18/2011

No, my children do not watch Spongebob. I think some of the humor isn't appropriate for young children especially those who are just learning to talk. That's my personal opinion, I have family members that let their children watch it and I don't judge them, all I ask is that it's not on while my children are there.

Charity - posted on 10/18/2011

I never watched Spongebob really at all them last year my son discovered it. I let him watch few episodes & seen the content. Needless to say the tv was turned off & it's been banned since. He is 5 I don't let him watch cartoon network either. It's Nick Jr or disney channels morning shows, KET, and every once in awhile little boomerang when it's like flinstones or something like that!

I prefer to watch dvd's or whatever were I know what my kids what. I have a HUGE collection. I got disney movies (cartoon & real life), TONS bob the builder, handy manny, barbie, elmo, TONS baby einstien, caliou, bear in the big blue house, word worls & stuff like that. I don't let them watch teletubbies, barney, yo gabba gabba, shows like that are creepy or the annoy me!

Janine - posted on 10/17/2011

There was a survey done about children watching it for a certain amount of time that showed they were delayed because they watched spongebob?? First question that springs to minds is "How long are these children being exposed to any one show for a long amout of time"? You cannot limit a childs behaviour to one particular show.. If you so feel its wrong dont let them watch it but dont single out a particular programme because of a wayward experiment.... You do not need this to be a fact nor a reason... It is within yourself to deem what is or is not appropriate for your child... We could say children could become more violent if they sat down and looked at the news every night... or children could become more obese if they constantly watched t.v to begin with instead of playing outside... It is a ridiculous assumption to base anything on one sole issue without first looking outside the box... environment, nuture and nature plays the utmost part in any childs life... to base your childs behaviour on a television show alone is a limited view.

Nikki - posted on 10/16/2011

It's not that bad, I let both of my daughters watch Spongebob and they are perfectly fine, they are not calling each other out of their name or anything, Spongebob is actually quite a funny show, but they don't seem to like it that much, they're all about iCarly, Victorious, Jessie, and A.N.T Farm, so try to introduce to her different shows and please tell her the world is not going to end if she doesn't watch Spongebob.

Holly - posted on 10/14/2011

He's only seen it a few times but isn't very interested in it, i'm glad about that!

Ramona - posted on 10/13/2011

Spongebob is not allowed in my house. I watched a study where a child was watching spongebob and it lowered to train of thinking.

Nikita - posted on 10/13/2011

I LOVED Aurora's Castle! My youngest [22 months] loves Barney [as did I] also, and spongebob.

Kimberly - posted on 10/13/2011

It is a very inappropiate show for kids! Spongebob is not allowed in our home!

Emilie - posted on 10/12/2011

i dont like spongbob and wont let my daughter watch it because i think its more for older kids who know better i also thing spongbob has hidden adult content that kids dont catch

Khadijah - posted on 10/12/2011

I completely avoid Sponge Bob!! Even before my twin girls were born I use to see my nephew watching it and I HATED what I saw. The characters look a little gross and weird even, and the rude language they use is unexceptible in my house. Therefore my girls aren't allowed to watch Nickolodeon only Nick Jr., PBS, and only maybe two shows on the Disney Channel.

Holly - posted on 10/12/2011

Nope. There was an actual survey done that after a group of children watched it for a certain amount of time daily, they were actually developmentally delayed by another group that does not.

Nicky - posted on 10/12/2011

my son loves spongebob i get what you saying sometime i cant believe the word they are using when i turn it off the falls out big time now i put the tv on the sprout channel let him watch those cartoons. alot of cartoon these day don't look like the are for children

Janine - posted on 10/12/2011

Unfortunately we live in a society where she is going to hear these words from more than just spongebob. I personally find this cartoon quite funny, havent watched it for sometime but I know for a fact that these words are not used all that often. You cant single her language to just one show. If she sees the news etc, I will guarantee she will see and hear many more wrong things than what a simple cartoon offers. You are doing the right thing by telling your daughter that these words are not appropriate and really that is all you can do. She will eventually learn from your parenting. If you strictly do not want her watching this show than you need to stick to your guns and let everyone in your circle aware of the fact that it is your right to parent her in this way. If she has seen shows like toy story, shrek etc, unfortunately they too have grown up words and gestures, so again you can not limit it to just one show. As her parent though, you become her guide and way of life.. do what you deem appropriate for your child, but also realise, you cannot sheild her from everything and curiosity and pushing boundries whether it be words or actions is how children learn. With your guidance and teaching I am sure she will grow out of the faze :) best of luck x

Jessie - posted on 10/11/2011

I completely relate to this post. My family (I am the youngest of six children, and my daughter is the 10th grand child) thinks I am cruel and withholding to not allow my two and half year old watch a lot of tv. I even caught my mom, whom I love and respect dearly, letting my daughter watch Spongebob while she was watching her, despite my clearly stated previous objections. Her response 'I let you watch a lot of shows when you were growing up and you are just fine'. My argument: while it's true I am not concerned my daughter is going to pick up bad language from the show, develop ADD ( although I do think this is a valid argument for why kids should watch less tv), or in general suffer some emotional trauma from being exposed to shows such as Spongebob, I also know there are far better programs out there. PBS Kids is amazing! Besides, there is always something else to do besides watch tv.....like color, read a story, or pretty much ANYTHING else. TV time is an end of the day treat if we've been good (it also gives mommy a chance to do the dishes after supper), and if she is going to be watching something, it may as well be something that she can learn from.

Kerai - posted on 10/11/2011

I have watched spongebob since i was 8 Im now 21 and still love it its like my "tom and Jerry" or "Bugs Bunny"... My daughter is 20 months and she doesnt care for it now but when she gets older i would allow her to if she wants she loves Sesame street and "Melmo"(Elmo) is her fave.. so just as long as she knows not to say words like that then im fine.. She hears a lot of negative words throughout her day you'd be surprised the stuff i hear in the grocery store (people getting mad all the time) Im in Chicago where there is very colorful people who has a let's just say dirty choice of words children likewise (which is heart breaking to me)... what I'm trying to say regardless of what you try to filter language will always be an issue so its your job to teach them differently and why you shouldn't say such things...I feel just as long as my child is not cursing and using derogatory language then im fine with the shows that comes on tv..

Belinda - posted on 10/11/2011

I have never liked spongebob even when i wasnt a parent. I hate it even more know that i have a two year old. Everyone knows not to put that show on my television, Its a rule in my house.

Paulette - posted on 10/11/2011

I don't let my kids watch that show. My kids are 6,4 and 2. I started watching it with my son when he was 4 and he loved it. He never picked up bad habits from it. But after watching a couple episodes, I decided to it was not right for his age. People started to buy spongebob things for him and I tell everyone not to and take it back. It annoys me when other people tell you that their kids watch it and their fine, expecting you to follow them and let your kids watch it, like your kids will miss out on some big important thing. I tell my kids this all the time, this is our house and our rule. Spongebob is for old kids, not 2 yr olds. Your doing the right thing.

Kelsey - posted on 10/11/2011

i hate spongebob always have and always will im 19 and i never watched it growing up because it had to be the weirdest show ever...and patrick really creeped me out! my kids are not going to be allowed to watch it untill they are old enough to have tvs in their rooms

Ella - posted on 10/10/2011

I already posted but thought i would mention that i do not think spongebob is very good for little kids. most of the humor is way over their heads. for instance they live in a BAKINI BOTTOM and their is a character in the show named SANDY CHEEKS....keeping in mind on where they live....

Kristel - posted on 10/09/2011

With all the shows on television nowdays we don't have cable or even basic television. My child picks up on everything. A car drove by with the speakers blarring and said "F-ing Mad", she picked it up. It took many times for me to convince her to say freaking mad... Seeing Spongebob for what it's worth he's not worth the time to sit down and watch. Anyone who watches that really doesn't value their time or standards, I wouldn't even call it appropriate for Adults.

Jennifer - posted on 10/09/2011

My daughter is two and she is a Spongebob Fanatic!!! She absolutely loves the show. We have even purchased a season of it for her. I grew up with spongebob and I know a lot of people who have watched spongebob. It's all in the matter of teaching your kids from right and wrong. My daughter has never once called me stupid or an idiot.because she knows better not to.

Stacie - posted on 10/09/2011

My son is going to be 2 next month and he watches Spongebob ( on a very rare occasion). When he does watch it all he is interested in is the theme song. He is really into Chugginton, Thomas the Train, Little Einstines, and he watches big boy movies like Cars, Nanny McPhee, Megamind, Toy Story, etc. Since was I was a Disney baby I have kept all of my old VHS tapes and he watches those along with ones that I buy for him. He has a 5 year old step-brother and watches what he does. I no longer get my step-son since my husband passed away in August, but still try and keep the same routines with Kamdon (my son) that we had while my husband was still alive-like what moves are watched.

Ella - posted on 10/08/2011

i have 2 daughters who are 3 and 5and both girls watch it. they have not yet picked up on these words but if they do i will put and end to that show! they arent too interested in it though so hopefully i wont have that problem

Juli - posted on 10/08/2011

I hated my daughter watching it as well. but found a channel called Sprout tv its all preschool programs all the time. She loves the shows better and learns great things like letters and good values as well.

Fiona - posted on 10/07/2011

My Lo loves this, although rather stupid at times I like it, as for the words he nor picked up any and if he does, I wud not make a big thing about it as it only reinforces it! As for the violence no one says anything about tom n jerry! I was so shoxked the amount of violence in that! If. U think that something inappropriate for ur lo then that's fine, we all have right.as a parent. My brother banned most tv programmes eg eastenders etc and has only just got sky ( the girls are in their 20's n left home now!) I thought a bit extreme but as a parent now I can see his point, there is too much crap on tv and so many little eyes view things they don't need to. Monkey see monkey do! I now don't watch my tv when he around ( eastenders, jk, casualty) as there are certain things he doesnt like eg. Shouting, raised. Voices, so now its just kids tv with exception of a few car shows and pre watched biker cops. Writing thos I think my son does,watch a not too much tv, but as the parent its,UPTO me do change that and I can and,will!,

Noimnotlucky - posted on 10/07/2011

I didn't read everyone's comments,but I just want to say spongy bob squarepants is the most dumbest most non educational cartoon EVERY LOL.the only Chanel I allow my son to watch is "NickJr",even though they say not to let kids watch TV NickJr I think is very educational my son is learning from it.

Stephanie - posted on 10/06/2011

Well this is obviously long thread and I'm not going to read every post to see if someone already mentioned this, however there was something on the news about spongebob a few weeks ago. Not only is the language not toddler appropriate but because the train of thought of this particular cartoon moves so fast from one scene to the next toddlers cannot understand it. The study that was conducted concluded that spongebob and other fast paced shows that toddlers/children watch are a leading cause to adhd and add. Completely understandable that you dont want your toddler watching this show, I dont let my 22 month old watch it either. You need to calmly explain to your family your strong opinion about the show and ask that they respect your decision. You are the mother and you know best.

Kayla - posted on 10/06/2011

i like spongebob tho :'(

Kristen - posted on 10/06/2011

My older ones are home, sometimes they watch it, but mostly they get the old time Transformers.

Melissa - posted on 10/06/2011

I definitely dont let my son watch them he is 27 months...I recently found out that my mother in law was allowing him to watch that show and I told her that if I see it again she would not be babysitting...I think it is undermining everything we try to teach our children...They dont have to use their brains when they watch this show and My son has picked up the word "Idiot" and i just about lost it...so NO it is absolutely forbidden...I have issues with that show and Im 38yrs old myself...Good for you

Mary - posted on 10/05/2011

I AGREE with you 100%..Spongebob is a bad influence on children

Danielle - posted on 10/05/2011

i can't stand spongebob, there is no way my daughter will be watching that, OH watches Simpsons and i don't like her watching that either cos of the violence, i prefere to her watch like you mickey mouse, oso, and a few others, she loves animals so i let her watch nature programs esp one by david atonborough, i'm a childminder and i don't even allow the other children to watch things like spongbob, i carly, hannah montana and things like that cos i think their attitude stinks to be honest and i can't believe how it is allowed to be showen on tv

Brooke - posted on 10/05/2011

Nope my 21/2 year old doesn't watch Sponge Bob. i see no value to it. It's gross with topics about puss, butts etc. With channels like Nick Jr showing good entertaing and educational shows 24/7 there is no need to watch stuff like Spongebob. If he's in the room with someone watching it I wont make them turn it off, but it's not on my tv. I don't even know if he knows what Spngebob is. He loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Oso, Sesame Street, Fresh Beats, Little Bill etc. All of which teach him something.

Allie-jo - posted on 10/04/2011

I don't mins sponge bob I have seen a bunch of shows plus the movie my son started getting into that show when he was 3 now he is 10 and doesn't really watch it much anymore. I think there are way worse things to worry about then sponge bob

Megan - posted on 10/04/2011

i refuse to let my boys watch it, it's too fast paced for them and i notice that if they have watched it they are totally different kids more hyper active and combative and dont listen to a word i say so i dont let them watch spongebob fairly odd parents nothing really on that channel i find most the shows on that channel are super annoying and not appropriate for kids under the age of 5. thats just me though.

Kelli - posted on 10/03/2011

I don't like the show either, so I don't let my child watch it.

Jennifer - posted on 10/03/2011

No spongebob here. Yet my daughter still picks up words from others and Disney movies("I hate you" from Lilo & Stutch). As long as we didn't make a big deal of the word. She discontinues saying right away.

Kriss - posted on 10/03/2011

Absolutely not! My son is 29 months old, and will be exposed to those insulting words soon enough as it is, most likely when he starts preschool next year, and is around other children who are allowed to watch shows like this. But hopefully by then we can do some pre-damage control. My son watches Baby First TV and PBS Sprout, and that's all. Fortunately he loves music, so we most often have CD's playing in the house instead of television. When babysitters are around, though, it's really hard to gauge what happens. We just try to make it known up front with them that certain programs on TV are unacceptable, and hope they respect our wishes. Good for you for standing up for yourself and your child, and insisting that this is inappropriate! Too many parents cave!

Diana - posted on 10/01/2011

I don't let my son watch it either and i also get upset when one of my eldest kids put it on i tell them to put it on HIS channels which are sprout and baby channel.. Sponge bob hurts my intelligence..lol.. I don't approve of it.. I used to let my oldest 2 watch power rangers they are now 14 and 16 and saw how they sponged off that show.. So when child 3 ,4, and 5 came I new that shows really impact these Children it's our jobs as parents to mold these little people into what they become as adults at least try our best.. Thumbs up to you for stickin to your guns if ppl can't respect your wishes then they probably shouldn't be left alone with child but that's ur call that's whAt I do..

Christie - posted on 10/01/2011

Unfortunately, young kids are attracted to the colors, music, and fast pace. Although it may be stimulating, the pace (as well as the language) is very inappropriate for young, developing minds. It has been proven that children who are exposed to shows SUCH AS (not only) SpongeBob, have shorter attention spans. My son watches only G rated movies and educational shows or cartoons, which are all loaded with colors and music, and nice words and even a positive lesson sometimes! Choose wisely, these babes are our future.

Jennifer - posted on 09/30/2011

OMG YESSS my daughter been telling me to shut up! and alotttt!! my mother told me theres a study out there ( don't take me up accountable I only heard this from my mother) that spongebob is highly recommended not to be shown to children since it makes kids "stupid" so ive been letting my daughter watch it less and less.. she only watches spongebob every once in awhile and thats only when she's with her grandfather ( Grandpa's girl) lol ... other then that she only watches other shows like max and ruby, yo gabba gabba, Calliou, toupee and binoo lol.

Jennifer - posted on 09/30/2011

My daughter is 20 months old and i let her watch spongebob she loves it.

Maigan - posted on 09/30/2011

I think sponge bob is AWFUL! A show for kids where they live in "bikini bottoms?" Yeah, I don't think so. Then again, we don't watch much tv period. I want my children to use their imaginations and play and read books and go outside. About the only thing my children watch are the classic like, Anne of Green Gables, all the Shirley Temple movies, Little House on the Prairie, The Walton's, and a handful of other movies. They also are, little by little, getting the dvd's of Veggie Tales. We are very picky about what we put in front of our children's eyes. My youngest is 6 months and my oldest will be 2 in 2 weeks.

Melissa - posted on 09/28/2011

my 2 yr old also watches and sings along to spongebob, she hasnt yet picked anything up but when she does we will be talking about it. you can't hide from the fact they WILL pick words up as that is the learning process. so communication is key,

Peita - posted on 09/26/2011

Spongebob is more adult orientated I think. I put it in the same category as The Simpsons, Family Guy, King of the Hill etc. they are all cartoons but have language and jokes in them that aren't appropriate for young children.. I have a 7yo, 5 yo and nearly 2yo and I don't let them watch those sorts of cartoons!! My kids really love Scooby Doo at the moment, so we will go with that for now!!

Michelle - posted on 09/26/2011

Sponge Bob is banned at my house. He is just so rude and crude.