Children should be protected against TV programmes like The Jeremy Kyle Show revealing their family secrets to the nation, Bristol East MP Kerry McCarthy has claimed.

Ms McCarthy has tabled a parliamentary Bill to restrict reality shows leaving children subject to ridicule as they grow up.

She is particularly worried about on-air DNA tests to reveal who a child's father is.

"For dramas children are not allowed to appear in scenes that they would not be allowed to watch but for reality shows there are no such restrictions because they are not covered by employment regulations," she said.

"The Jeremy Kyle Show is the biggest problem. Parents appear on there and have DNA tests to reveal the paternity of the child.

"The baby might only be eight months old now but it is highly likely that they will grow up in the same community where the neighbours will remember what happened on TV.

"We have to consider the child's interest.

"This is not entertainment. At some point somebody has to say this has gone beyond the bounds of acceptable behaviour.

"I'm also concerned that the more this is shown as normal life on television than the more acceptable it becomes."

ITV said: "The Jeremy Kyle Show takes the well-being of its guests and their children very seriously indeed.

"As a broadcaster we ensure every show adheres to the Ofcom Broadcasting Code and its rules and guidance on protecting the under 18s, which were recently updated.

"Our current policy is that no children of school age are the subject of DNA tests, and particular care is taken in relation to children of pre-school age, with children over the age of 18 months being involved only in exceptional cases."

The Bristol MP also wants restrictions brought in for all programmes that feature young children, such as Supernanny and Wife Swap.