Concerns have been raised over children watching violent material following the popularity of TV shows such as Squid Game.

At least one Ceredigion primary school has written to parents asking them be aware of what their children are watching after teachers witnessed children re-enacting what they had seen on the playground.

Squid Game is a survival drama TV series, released on Netflix in September, that sees adults competing in deadly children’s games for cash prizes.

In a letter to parents, St Padarn’s Catholic Primary School said: “We are becoming increasingly aware that pupils are playing computer or watching films that may have content that has been deemed to be not age-appropriate, for example 15+ rated films or 18+ games.

“The guidelines are there for a reason, and we do sometimes see behaviours being re-enacted on the playground as a direct consequence of watching films or playing games. This is a concern for us in school. “Some content, even though the characters can be well known superheroes, can be frightening and show graphic violence and bad language.

“There is a danger that children can become de-sensitised to such violent behaviour, and their young, developing minds are often not able to rationalise the fiction from fact.”

A number of other schools across the UK have also written to parents over the issue in light of the popularity of Squid Game, with one primary school in England calling the situation ‘extremely worrying’.

A spokesperson for Ceredigion County Council said on the issue: “The council issues regular advice and guidance to schools on safeguarding, including resources that can be shared with parents and guardians on films, gaming and social media.

“All schools are in regular contact with safeguarding officers to discuss or seek advice on any behaviours that they see presented in school that are of concern.”