A controversial app available for iPhone, iPod and Android encourages players to “Crack that whip and teach your guy a thing or two about being the Perfect Boyfriend”.

‘The Boyfriend Trainer’, published by Games2Win allows players to electrocute, hit or spray mace into the eyes of their virtual boyfriend when he commits misdemeanours such as looking at other girls dancing, or leaving his clothes on the floor. It advises that “Girlfriends don’t like their boyfriends to look at other girls. About time he got the message. Slap him silly!”

Users on Google’s Android Market have been divided in their reactions. One condemned it as “sexist crap”, with another saying that “the person who made this should be ashamed”. One comment simply said the game was “boring”.

However, the app has an average of 3.4 stars, with the significant majority of reviews giving 5 stars. One of those reviews said: “Love it. Men have bn beatin on woman 4 4ever now we get a little payback HELL YEA doesnt get any better !!!!!!!!!!” Another said: “Boy friend trainer. Its awesomeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.”