A 5-year-old boy and his 8-year-old brother were severely burned by their 9-year-old friend while copying a scene from Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf, a popular Chinese animation series. The medical expenses for their treatment could be several million yuan. It's high time a rating system for animation was introduced in China, says an article in the Guangzhou Daily. Excerpts:

Watching cartoons and playing games with friends are wonderful times during childhood. It is really sad that the children's favorite program turned out to be responsible for their tragedy.

There are violent scenes not only in Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf, but also in other animations as well. Many cartoon characters are scantily dressed, with the stories and scenes beyond the understanding of kids.

It is a misconception in China that cartoons are exclusively for children. However, in some foreign countries, there is a clear-cut animation rating system that is designed for different age groups. And animation for adults forms a significant part of the market.

For example, a popular Japanese animation Crayon Shin-chan is intended for young adults and has an age restriction when released or broadcast. But in China, the series are available for everyone.

It's predicable that animation for adults, especially "kidults" is becoming a cultural trend in China. It is not a bad prospect in itself, but only if more attention is directed to protecting children.

In an effort to keep children away from violent and pornographic content, the introduction of a rating system for the animation industry in China cannot be delayed.