CHILDREN'S TV programmes came under fire today from broadcast minister Janet Anderson -- and even the superhuman abilities of the Power Rangers could not deflect the broadside.

Mrs Anderson accused telly chiefs of appealing to the lowest common denominator with "dumbed down" shows and the violence of World Wide Federation wrestlers came in for a battering.

However TeleTubbies -- with its multi-coloured characters, made-up language and repetitive scenes, got a resounding thumbs up from both Mrs Anderson and a leading psychologist.

Speaking at the Listener and Viewer Conference on Children and Television, Mrs Anderson said while many children's programmes were traditional, "the government shared parents' concerns that some fell well short." She also hit out at broadcasters who believed it was acceptable to take a lead from the unregulated satellite and cable channels who had "dumbed down" children's programming.

"The broadcasting regulators have expressed concern about evidence of dumbing down as more children watch satellite and cable channels," she said. "And there is a strong temptation for the terrestrial channels to change the programming mix they offer in order to compete. TV executives sometimes argue that advertising revenues are low when children's programmes are showing so that the cheapest option -- buying in undemanding cartoons from abroad -- becomes the easiest option. But it's not the only option." Despite the attack Mrs Anderson praised her favourite programme the BBC programme the TeleTubbies which she rated as her favourite for being "soft, gentle and happy." "I think the TeleTubbies is a wonderful children's programme and was written by someone who really understands a child's mind," the Rossendale and Darwen MP said after addressing the conference.

"It's quite educational in a subtle sort of way and is one of the best children's programmes around which young children want to watch. For a generation brought up on Bill and Ben, to complain about the language in the TeleTubbies is a bit rich."

She went on to voice concerns over violent content in children's programmes such as Power Rangers, which has been screened on ITV in the past and Channel Four's WWF Wrestling. She also said some early evening soaps were "inappropriate" for children.

"Clearly the broadcasters have a responsibility but so do the parents," she said. "It's up to them to make sure that children, specifically young children, do not watch unsuitable programmes. Channel Four spokesman Alan McLauchlin hit back with a half-nelson of his own when he said the wrestling shown on the channel is "heavily edited."

"The show complies completely with ITC regulations and we never had any complaints," said Alan. "In fact the only complaints we do get is that it is too toned down."

And a senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Central Lancashire today said Mrs Anderson's fears were largely unfounded.

"The biggest piece of research I did concerned the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," said Mike Eslea. "Kids were playing at being the Turtles and were kicking and practising kung-fu on each other but it was just rough and tumble. The problem is that adults aren't very good at recognising rough and tumble, they see children playing and think they are fighting when the kids are actually enjoying themselves."

A spokesman for the Independent Television Commission said complaints had been received about WWF Wrestling although as yet not been followed up. A BBC press officer for children's programmes said there was no danger of them "dumbing down" their programmes. "We have a wide variety of programmes including Newsround which is the only news show for children to be shown all year round," he said. "the BBC takes its obligations to children very seriously. This Autumn alone there are more than 400 hours of quality programmes just for children."

Nick Southall, spokesman for satellite channel Nickelodeon UK, hit back at Mrs Anderson saying the channel imports shows, particularly American, because it's what the children want to see.

"As for dumbing down children's television our Nick News programme won a BAFTA award last year and we have been nominated again this year," he said. The Fox network refused to comment.