It's a disturbing sign of the TV times I am afraid. The problem is it appeals to the masses who are nothing more than a latter day gladatorial audience, baying for blood. Fortunately, things have not gone that far (yet).
It seems that all this 'reality TV' relies on throwing a bunch of people together who will not get along - in the case of this it was small kids. Big Brother is a good example of how things change over the years; the first series was an interesting social experiment. Look at the last couple of series - folks thrown together who will be at each others throats from the start - and all because this is what makes ratings soar.
I cannot image the misery and fallout that comes from being a 'contestant' in such shite. What we see on screen are just selected scenes that are fit for public consumption - God know's what is left on the cutting room floor.
To be honest, I have little time for TV anymore. What with ALL the reality show shite, Property program shite, unfunny shite 'comedy' cops & camera's shite - in my opinion all of it is just cheaply made shite. I prefer to read or talk to my family.
Blimey - that was turning into a right old rant
Cheers, Steve.