Charles Sturt University domestic violence specialist Dr Andrea Schineanu has called for a boycott of ratings-driven reality TV shows in wake of their growing popularity.

She fears children who watch the programming may be desensitised to bullying and subconsciously driven to discriminate. 

“It’s sanctioned and legal bullying that is sensationalised and turned into the centre of attention,” she said.

“They always feature very feminine woman and very masculine men – promoting the gender stereotypes which are the cause of so many problems in our society.

“It can be very damaging for a lot of young people who are only beginning to develop their concept of self.”

Dr Schineanu also turned her attention to portrayed villain Anthony Manton, from Gundagai, who she believes personified dated views of women. 

“Someone like Anthony, who wants a pretty girl with lots of makeup and the epitome of femininity, really demonstrates what these shows are about,” she said.

“I wouldn’t want my children watching him and taking hints.”

It comes after the short-lived celebrity blew up at Channel Nine producers, claiming he was wrongfully depicted as a “bad guy”. 

“I know I haven’t been portrayed in the best possible light. There’s so much stuff that is edited out,” Mr Manton told TAB radio.  

“In last night’s episode we had home stays and Nadia and myself spent four days in my apartment in Sydney. We had some great moments — and what do they play? Me blowing up about my Wi-Fi connection.

“In four days that’s all they play, a 30 second clip. That’s a great example of how heavily edited these shows are.”

Karl Stefanovic most recently weighed in on his 15-minute romance with fellow contestant Nadia when he lambasted the Gundagai local on The Today Show Tuesday morning. Despite being labelled 'frigid' and accused of 'lacking direction' by Mr Manton, Nadia defended the man with whom she entered the experiment.

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