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More than half of parents believe that childhood is now over by the age of 11, according to a survey by Random House, which has captured the headlines today. The results of the survey, which has been backed up by Random House author Jacqueline Wilson, have been widely reported across the media, including on BBC Radio.
The Telegraph reports that the poll shows that children, desperate to keep up with their peers, are forcing parents to authorise freedoms that belie their years, in contrast with the traditional upbringings experienced by their mothers and fathers. Teenagers are increasingly being allowed to drink alcohol, stay out late and sleep over at their boyfriend or girlfriend's house, according to the survey for Random House Children's Books.
But many adults feel that parents are wrong to succumb and that youngsters grow up alarmingly quickly, a view shared by Dame Jacqueline Wilson, the former children's laureate and author. Dame Jacqueline, 62, said that young girls should not wear fashionable or revealing clothes, and should not be ashamed to want to play with dolls.