In a world where children's programming is often a safe haven from the harsh realities of life, a recent incident involving the beloved Australian animated series Bluey has left many parents in shock and disbelief. A collection of stickers sold online has sparked a massive uproar due to its controversial depiction of the show's cherished characters.


The characters from Bluey, a series that has captured the hearts of children and parents alike with its charming portrayal of a Blue Heeler family, were shown in a light that many found to be 'totally inappropriate and vile'. The stickers, which were available for purchase on the online sticker marketplace Valor Vinyls, featured the family in army camouflage, wielding rifles, and engaging in military-style activities.


The images showed Bluey driving a ute with her younger sister Bingo sitting on heavy weaponry mounted in the back. Bluey's parents, Bandit and Chilli, as well as her grandfather Mort, were also depicted in army fatigues, all holding rifles. The designs, created by an artist known as 'We Few', immediately drew the ire of thousands of parents who stumbled upon them.


The backlash was swift and fierce, with many taking to social media to express their disgust. 'It's totally inappropriate and vile to use children's TV characters like this,' one parent commented. 'Gun culture should not be normalised or glorified to children,' another added. The sentiment was echoed by many others who felt that such imagery was out of step with the wholesome nature of the show and had no place being associated with a program designed for young viewers.

The controversy didn't stop at the Bluey stickers. It was revealed that this wasn't the first time 'We Few' had stirred the pot with his designs. In the past, a shirt manufacturer halted production of a design that depicted Sesame Street characters Bert and Ernie engaging in the torture of Oscar the Grouch, with the words 'W is for Waterboarding'. The designer's response to the manufacturer's decision highlighted a cavalier attitude towards the violent imagery.

Valor Vinyls responded to the public outcry by removing the Bluey sticker designs from their website on Tuesday. However, it was noted that other controversial products remained available, including a sticker of chocolate mascot Freddo Frog brandishing a light machine gun and another of Caramello Koala, labelled 'thug' and wielding two sub-machine guns.


The incident raises important questions about the boundaries of artistic expression, especially when it intersects with children's media. It also highlights the responsibility of online marketplaces to curate their content, ensuring that it aligns with community standards and values.

For our readers at the Seniors Discount Club, many of whom are grandparents and great-grandparents, the protection of childhood innocence is paramount. It's essential to have conversations with family members about the media children consume and to be vigilant about the messages they receive, even from seemingly innocent sources.
We invite you to share your thoughts on this issue. How do you feel about the use of children's characters in adult-themed art? What steps do you take to safeguard the young minds in your family from inappropriate content? Your insights are valuable, and we look forward to reading your comments below.