That 'NSPCC cartoon' thing on Facebook

A new viral is sweeping through Facebook, urging members to change their profile picture to a cartoon character from their youth in order to support the National Socirty for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC). My suspicions were aroused by the fact that there is no obvious connection to the charity.

There is no link to its site or Facebook page, and no way to donate (which is what you would, quite reasonably, expect a charity to use a social network for).

Thankfully it seems there's nothing dodgy going on - the NSPCC's Facebook page clearly states that the campaign is nothing to do with them, but it seems they don't mind too much.

"A warm welcome to all our cartoon friends! We are incredibly grateful for your support to end cruelty to children in the UK. Although the NSPCC did not originate the childhood cartoon Facebook campaign, we welcome the attention it has brought to the work we do. If you would like to find out more about how you can get involved, please visit our website."

So dig out your favourite cartoon character and show some support. But if you'd like to help the NSPCC in its work, make a donation.

The children's charity has a range of gifts that you can give to loved ones that will directly support its work.