Peppa Pig’s New Deaf Storyline Hits Home For Parents Like Me

When my son was born profoundly deaf, I suddenly understood how isolating it can feel when the world doesn’t reflect your experience.

As a parent, I wanted him to see that his hearing loss didn’t define him, but I didn’t know where to start. I’d grown up as a child of deaf parents, but television never showed families like mine.

We were invisible. And I feared my son would feel the same.

That’s why the new Peppa Pig storyline, in which George (Peppa’s younger brother) is revealed to be deaf, feels so powerful.

It’s the first time many children, and their parents, will see a character like George navigating hearing loss in a mainstream children’s show.

It’s not just entertainment; it’s representation that can reassure children that they belong, and that differences are normal.

Watching George go for a hearing test and start using a hearing aid is the kind of story I wish I’d had when my son was little.

The storyline makes it clear that hearing technology can help, but it doesn’t fully restore typical hearing, whilst also giving parents the language to start conversations and explain hearing loss in ways that are relatable and reassuring.

For parents who are just discovering their child may have hearing loss, it can feel overwhelming. You may notice signs like delayed speech, talking too loudly or too softly, difficulty responding to sounds, or watching closely what others are doing before doing it themselves.

My advice to parents is to trust your instincts. If something feels off, it’s always worth speaking to your GP. You can also contact us at the National Deaf Children’s Society for one-to-one advice and guidance, as well as local support in the heart of your community. Early support can make a huge difference in a child’s development, confidence and communication skills.

Storylines like George’s also make hearing technology visible. Many children wear hearing aids or other devices, and yet these are rarely seen in everyday media.

Seeing George explore the world with a hearing aid – splashing in puddles, going to the park, playing with Peppa – reinforces that deaf children can fully enjoy childhood experiences. Representation like this is not just comforting, it is empowering.

Of course, no single story can capture every experience, but authenticity matters. These new episodes were developed with guidance from our team at the National Deaf Children’s Society, and they reflect the realities of deaf children’s lives, from navigating appointments to adjusting to new sounds. That kind of insight makes the representation credible, relatable, and ultimately supportive for families.

For me, it’s deeply personal. As a parent, I want my son to grow up seeing himself reflected in the world around him, feeling confident that his deafness doesn’t set limits on what he can do. And as a child myself of deaf parents, I know that seeing stories like this could have helped my parents feel more visible when they were raising me.

Peppa Pig may be a cartoon, but for deaf children and their families, it sends a real-world message: you are seen, you are valued, and your experiences matter.

And for parents, it is a reminder that seeking support, trusting your instincts, and sharing stories with your children can help them feel safe, confident, and understood.

George Crockford is CEO at The National Deaf Children’s Society, which supports deaf children with any level of hearing loss, offering expert information, practical guidance and one-to-one support for families, as well as local support in communities across the UK.

The new Peppa Pig episodes will air on Milkshake from 9th March. For more information and to explore resources for deaf children and families, visit www.ndcs.org.uk/georgepig.