In their heavy make-up and provocative outfits, these stars are making headlines for all the wrong reasons. JACKIE BRYGEL reports.
With an increasing number of young stars dressing far beyond their years, a debate is growing – is it just an innocent game of dress-ups, or does it represent the dangerous sexualisation of children?
“It’s distressing,” says psychologist Sarah Calleja of the trend. “I think these stars have a duty of care to role-model something more positive.
“Their fans can see this behaviour as acceptable and desirable, even though they don’t understand the possible implications for themselves.
They may also think it’s fun to look and act sexy, but they don’t yet know how to advocate for themselves – to say no. There’s a concern, then, for their long-term health and safety.”