SOAP watchers have criticised Coronation Street for exposing children to sex and violence.

Dozens of people complained to the Broadcasting Standards Commission over scenes involving schoolgirl Candice's sexual relationship with Jason Grimshaw.

Viewers saw the Bury-born actress tempt the boy -- the brother of her boyfriend, Todd -- into the bedroom of her teacher's home.

The BSC said the decision to increase the amount of weekly episodes for Coronation Street may have pressured soap bosses into stringing out graphic storylines.

As well as complaints about Candice's actions, viewers also complained about Janine's sex and drugs exploits in EastEnders.

There has been an upsurge in complaints about the content of the soaps since the beginning of the year.

Yet a survey carried out by the Commission found Coronation Street was associated with entertainment and humour.

The introduction of Bradshaw actor Andrew Whyment, who plays Kirk Sutherland, was part of the Street's intention to liven up the show.

The survey on the public's attitude towards soaps was carried out after an upsurge in complaints about their content since the beginning of the year.

More than 2,000 people were questioned in what is the biggest soap survey for 20 years.

It found that one in five people feel uncomfortable watching soaps with their children and believe they tackle unsuitable issues for younger viewers, while one in eight said they were unsuitable for children altogether.

BSC chairman Lord Dubs said: "Some felt violence could sometimes be used almost gratuitously to push up ratings and they weren't comfortable with that.

"If people know they're going to watch a crime show with shootings and so on, they know what to expect.

"But if violent scenes are in a soap it can be very disturbing because that is not what people's expectations are."

Coronation Street and EastEnders now both have four episodes per week, while Emmerdale has five.

BSC director Paul Bolt said: "There is more time for them to fill now and in a sense some of the storylines are probably more protracted than a few years ago, which adds to the impact."

Pre-transmission warnings that the programmes contain scenes of sex and violence should not be necessary, Lord Dubs said.

"The warnings may not be seen by parents when they feel the watershed is there for children to watch.

"Before the watershed there should not be a need for that. Parents should feel comfortable about their children watching," he said.