Is it just me or is that terrible?

Here in Scotland it's half term holidays so everywhere you look there are young kids. I've seen little boys of 9 or 10 years old with dyed blonde hair and enough 'bling' to put even the most dedicated rapper to shame and girls of the same age wearing high heeled shoes / boots and skirts short enough to make even me blush and I'm 29!

I know kids can whine for things like their lives depend on it and these days peer pressure is more intense but come on, do you have to let your kids get old before their time? Especially at their own expense? I'd love to know how everyone else feels about this subject. I may regret asking this question.......................

Is it just me or is that terrible?

im a 15 year old scot and i agree with you. parents are so scared of their kids getting abducted etc and their the ones dressin them up like 7 year old hookers! (ok well not all parents) . there is a lot of pressure on kids to grow up fast nowadays with media etc but some of the parents are just fueling it even more by buying ther kids these things. . . maybe they want 'mini-me' versions of themselves?

and boys wanting there hair highlighted? no no no..

Is it just me or is that terrible?

I know what you mean, you're absolutly right! and it's not your age, I'm 29 too! I hate to see kids with dyed hair at such a young age, it's so bad for them, and to be honest, it's no wonder that some kids are doing far too much for their age or go off the rails!!

Help!!!

Is it just me or is that terrible?

I totally agree. People don't let their kids out for fear of paedophiles - then dress them up like little prostitutes from the age of 3.

And don't worry, I'm only 20 lol, I dress my little boy in shorts and a t-shirt, so he can go out and get as messy as he likes. I can't stand it when people buy 'designer' clothes for toddlers - the children don't care (though I'm sure that will ensure they do later), it is purely for the parents to show off. Like giving kids stupid names to show how original you are.

Let kids be kids! I'd rather bring my son to care more about how he acts than how he looks.

Is it just me or is that terrible?

Ever hear the term "Safety first, competition second"?

It's just the same over here in the states. And it's not just the parents who allow this, it's society in general. Back then peer pressure was only about sex, alcohol, and drugs. Nowadays, too overcompetitive of a society puts competition first before the children's emotional and physical well being. Faced with unrealistic expectations, insurmountable pressures to 'grow up', be mature, being overloaded all have that same effect. Childhood isn't being phased out or fading away, childhood is being destroyed. With some clueless parents and big marketing, that's what you get.

Times change, for better or worse.

Is it just me or is that terrible?

I agree. I'm in Ireland, and I'm 23. I remember when I was a kid those things weren't really available - e.g. high heeled shoes and boots. I used to work in a shoe shop and it made me really sad to see the amount of mothers coming in buying the clearly adult shoes for their children (when the kid's feet were adult sizes...which can happen pretty early). It's the same with thongs and padded bras. I wouldn't have even known what these were until I was about 13 but now, you can see them on kids like you say, 9 or 10 years old. It's an issue with the parents and society, assisted by the media.

Is it just me or is that terrible?

when i was there age all i cared about was my future i dressed sensibly i didn't buy designer cloths but because i focused on my education than how i looked now I'm in university training to be a teacher i totally agree with you

Is it just me or is that terrible?

I think thats terrible, kids should act thir age especially girls their in more danger than boys. but ther parents are probably young adults or had them young and can't control them. if their parents aint saying nothin then dont sweat yourself just make sure you set the pase for ur kids if you've got some.

Is it just me or is that terrible?

The parents have pier pressure too.

Is it just me or is that terrible?

Agreed you make a very good point, parents just give in to avoid the parenting.

I would be ashamed of myself if my child looked like some kids I see.

Is it just me or is that terrible?

Hi, You shouldn't regret asking this question, i see this all the time i hate it when i see a child dressed as if they are going out to a club for the evening and covered in make up. Here it's mostly girls i see dressed up and they are so old before their time let children be children you are a long time grown up so don't rush it.

Is it just me or is that terrible?

they have to grow up sooner or later, but i do understand what you are about! dont worry as long as your kids are not doing this!

Is it just me or is that terrible?

My son is nine and as soon as the kids get out of school they all pop out cell phones! I think that's wrong. They are not allowed on school grounds.

I don't know why these kids are allowed to dress like you described, it seems wrong to me too. I'm forty if that accounts for anything.

I just have to say to the guy who says "Parents are under 'pier' pressure too," one, it's peer not pier, unless your under a bunch of water and a huge piece of wood is floating over you. Secondly, I don't know where you're from but I would never give into peer pressure. That's dumb, I'm the adult, I have to set an example for my children. Parents should not be giving into peer pressure. Act like an adult. This is why these kids are allowed to dress and behave like this. Quit making excuses.

Is it just me or is that terrible?

hmmm i have an 11 year old who desperately wants blonde streaks...this is a boy!!! i dont care what peer pressure he is under there is no way whilst i have a breath in my body is my child looking like some chav street urchin.

I hate seeing kids in adult clothes, let children be children , and parents get some back bone just cos the kids ask doesnt mean they should get!

Is it just me or is that terrible?

good question and some good answers. I have 3 kids 4,6 and 9 and like them to look smart when going out but not for everyday play and i bring them up to be kids theres plenty of time later for flash clothes and that. Bout time more people let kids be kids and not just another fashion statement or something to make up for what they think they missed as kids. Most children seem to have little time for play now cos mumsy is ferrying them from one after school club to the next.

LET THEM PLAY AND BE CHILDREN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Is it just me or is that terrible?

I agree. Some parents, especially those with girls, seem to treat their kids like dolls, to be dressed up like Barbie. They don't seem to see the consequences. Lots of time for them to dress like teenagers when they ARE teenagers.

Is it just me or is that terrible?

When we have non-uniform day at school you see the majority of kids wearing real funky fashion and they look great, and they look young too. Then you see a girl in short skirt/high heels and you just wander what the hell her parents are thinking.

Bollocks to peer pressure. My daughter will never be leaving the house looking like a prostitute. And these kids are only 9 or 10, not teenagers.

It makes me sad and angry, and I am disgusted with the sexualisation of the young who have no idea of the image they are portraying. They are not the ones with the money, it is their parents who are too weak to say no and just say yes for a quiet life.

What happened to kids in jeans and trainers climbing trees and getting dirty?

Is it just me or is that terrible?

The trouble today is everyone wants to look 16, I agree with you, the styles on childrens clothing is the same across the board age 6-16 and I think it's wrong - but not only that the parents buy it for their children......so who is to blae ? It's the same from the age of 19-60 EVERYONE dresses the same and I think it's terrible. I would love to put my 6 year old in clothes that are designed for 0-5 year olds, but they don't go up to her size which is sooo annoying as these are "proper" kids clothes.

Is it just me or is that terrible?

It's up to the parents. As longas you know that you won't allow it with your child, then keep your nose out!

Is it just me or is that terrible?

I live in America and that is still horrible!!!

Is it just me or is that terrible?

I agree! iam 15 and hate people with dyed hair and that label them selves, cant every one just be them selves and not follow a trend. I live in jeans, not those skinny ones. I admit i wear short skirts but thats when iam figure skating. Peer pressure is not intense, its just if you dont wear the fashion or fit in to a group of people, then you called names. Its hared going for the individuals who just want to be who they are and not some one else.

Is it just me or is that terrible?

You're not the only one. Kids grow up too fast- but it' not their fault. Most of it is peer pressure and the need to fit in. Sometimes I walk down the road and there's a bunch of 10/11 year olds who look like they're about to go clubbing!!!

Is it just me or is that terrible?

Its just you

Is it just me or is that terrible?

i agree. our children need to enjoy their chilhood. when i was living in jamaica it became a HUGE problem. dressing our children that way encourages them to think that they are MEN and WOMEN. so they become out of control and we wonder, whatever have we done wrong? in a time like this, these situations encourage perverts to want to rape your kids. remember men are more turn on by what they see. just imagine a 9 yr old dress up in mini skirts and platform heels, walking down the street. parents need to start playing their role, and when the kid starts to wine about whatever parents need to say NO and mean it. i'm as upset as you are. if ever i have children and i see that they want to dress up like a slut, God knowsw what i'll do to them.

Is it just me or is that terrible?

hey im 17 and have an 11year old sister and she dresses like she is about the same age as me i keep telling her no but she wont listen and her dad lets her do it because she is spoilt

Is it just me or is that terrible?

It is a shame that young people feel they must act/look grown up before they need to. Parents need to start being parents and stop trying to be their child's 'friend'. Children become very confused when boundaries are not set and teenagers often feel lonely/isolated/alienated without their parents adding to their plight. I am friendly with my children and we laugh and have fun but ultimately, I am in charge. My sixteen year old daughter has self discipline and self respect and dresses like a young lady, not a streetwalker. Dressing young girls up like 'little adults' makes them vulnerable targets for men out there who think these girls are 'fair game' because of the way they present themselves. Not a fact that will be welcomed but nevertheless true!

My little lad (7) is allowed a stick on tattoo in the hols at most, he is happy on his bike and skateboard and is not interested in hair dye or jewellery. Limiting TV and x-box/play station games would be a good idea as a lot of negative ideas constantly 'wash over' our children through media etc.

What happened to conkers and salt dough and building dens?

Angel.