BBC defends 'Waterloo Road' violence
Published Mar 10 2012, 12:17 GMT | By Colin Daniels
The BBC has rejected claims that Waterloo Road is glamorising knives.The corporation was forced to defend the show after receiving complaints regarding a storyline in which thugs ran through the school attempting to recruit new gang members.
© BBC / Shed Productions (WR)
© PA Images / Sean Dempsey/PA Wire
Around 65 fans complained about the scenes, raising concerns that the plot could influence children, The Sun reports.
"Waterloo Road just promotes knife crime and drugs," Twitter user Jenny O'Reilly wrote.
"This storyline should never have been shown - children are very impressionable. They might start to think it is unsafe if they are not carrying a knife," a parent added.
A BBC spokesman insisted that Waterloo Road producers had been advised by Crimestoppers and the Metropolitan Police for the storyline.
"Every time violence and knives are used we ensure that we demonstrate that justice is served and explore the consequences of the crime," he said.
"By the time the series completes, viewers will be left in no doubt of the danger of carrying knives."
"children are very impressionable"...hmmm, in that case WATCH IT WITH THEM RATHER THAN USING THE TV AS A BABYSITTER!
March 16th 2012 at 9:48am
awk get a grip people! waterloo road is a soap! they're storylines are amazing and inspirational! to drugs, gays, pregnancy's, abuse, breakdowns, mental issues, cancers, illegal emigrants, hearing voices, knife crimes, gangs, fights and body problems. this all happens in real life too! don't blame the show because this will encourage kids! well I am 13, and its not encouraging me, because this stuff does happen in real life to! so grow up! either watch it or don't! but it's not waterloo roads problem!
March 12th 2012 at 10:04pm
waterloo road isn't aimed at children so if parents let thier kids watch it they should accept the responsibility if thier kids copy what they see, not complain to ofcom!
March 11th 2012 at 7:04pm
Completely agree, there is never an episode of eastenders without someone being punched, beaten up or killed. Nothing is ever happy. Yet for some unknown reason people seem to love it. I for one can't stand it and have only watched about 3 episodes in my lifetime, including the live one because I was hoping someone would mess up! And no-one ever complains about it. Waterloo road portrays the reality of today and they always consult professionals to keep it as factual and realistic as possible. People need to learn to grow up. If you don't like it then don't watch it and if you don't want your kids to watch it then don't let them. Simple
March 11th 2012 at 11:27am
This is stupid! Kids and gangs carrying knives is true fact so Waterloo Road highlighting this is a good point! And is showing that carrying knives is wrong! Can't see what the fuss is!
March 11th 2012 at 11:10am