POPULAR children’s cartoon character Peppa Pig has come under fire for being a “bad influence” on the behaviour of the pre-schoolers who watch it.

But while the debate rages on about the influence children’s television can have on young minds, an expert from Liverpool University has come out in defence of the BAFTA award-winning show.

The cartoon which lasts around five minutes per episode is centred on the lives of Peppa Pig and her family.

Peppa’s cheeky smile and attitude has seen her become a hit with children.

But parents have complained that their sons and daughters are copying some of the naughty behaviour of the cartoon pig and her younger brother, George, by answering back, wanting to jump in muddy puddles – a favourite pastime of Peppa’s – and expressing the desire to eat chocolate cake for breakfast.

Some are even talking about banning the television show from their homes.

But Dr Simon Child, an expert in psychology from Liverpool University’s department for experimental psychology, says there is “more good” behaviour displayed in the shows than bad.