A month ago, Network Ten chief executive, Paul Anderson sat before a parliamentary committee and argued for an end to his obligation to commission and broadcast children's content. It was "no longer sustainable", he said, and besides, his network was already making plenty of content the whole family could enjoy together.

He cited MasterChef and The Bachelor – "which I watch with my 13-year-old daughter" – as examples. Had he been speaking a fortnight later, he would no doubt have name-checked Australian Survivor (Sunday, Monday at 7.30pm) too.

The argument in favour of children-specific programming largely revolves around its ability to shape the minds and identities of its young viewers, for better and for worse. The mind of a 13-year-old is arguably a little less malleable than that of a three-year-old, but you still have to wonder what kind of shaping is being wrought by some of the reality programs that now constitute the commercial broadcasters' main prime-time line-up.

Unless you have a fundamental objection to product placement, the fetishisation of food, and the creation of a generation of kids obsessed with "presentating" (at least that's what they call it in my house), MasterChef is a relatively benign offering. The Bachelor, though, hardly stands as a beacon of feminist ideals for our kids, male or female. But it's Australian Survivor that really makes you sit up and worry for the adults of tomorrow.