Naked Education: Controversial Channel 4 show receives 1,297 Ofcom complaints
Complaints regarded showing nudity pre-watershed, and showing 14 to 16-year-olds naked bodies
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Channel 4 has received nearly 1,300 Ofcom complaints over its controversial show Naked Education.
Presented by Anna Richardson and created by the team behind Naked Attraction, the educational show about body positivity aired on Channel 4 earlier this month.
In the first episode, a group of 14 to 16-year-olds were taught about body hair, with the segment concluding with four adults stripping off in front of them to show diversity in other people’s bodies.
The four adults also spoke to the teenagers about their own issues with body image and the topic of pubic hair.
The series was hotly debated on social media and daytime TV, with Good Morning Britain host Kate Garraway saying: “There’s something about the physicality of a stranger being naked in front of a teenager which I just feel uncomfortable about, because of all the things that we read about.”
Ofcom has now confirmed that they have received a total of 1,297 complaints about Naked Education since the show first aired on 4 April. Complaints about both episodes related to nudity before the watershed, and to this being presented to participants in the programme aged 14-16.
The Independent has contacted Channel 4 for comment.
While many took issue with the presentation of nudity on Naked Education, others defended it.
Speaking on GMB later that week, host Ben Fogle said that, while it was being used as a shock tactic by Channel 4, it is important children see a variety of bodies.
“I do celebrate this notion of showing children real bodies, not just those perfect bodies that you might see on Instagram or other sites, which we know they see.”
Fogle also said he believes children should see their parents naked.
“In our house we certainly celebrate body positivity, there’s no hiding behind towels. I think it’s important that children see their parents naked,” he said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments