I sometimes think that there should be written into the Charter of the United Nations a clause to the effect that 'Children have the right to a childhood'. They should be free to have as much innocent, harmless fun as they can before puberty sets in and they are overwhelmed by the problems of adolescence.
Everybody is aware of the problems facing child workers in Asia and child soldiers in Africa, but I often feel that the fashion industry, the entertainment industry and, nowadays, the social media industry are conspiring to exploit children in the West by forcing them to grow up too soon.
One example.
A few years ago I was visiting some friends when their six-year old daughter came home from school with an invitation to her friend's birthday party. There was a discussion about what she would wear to this kids' party. I have to admit to being rather taken aback when I heard this angelic little girl tell her mother: 'I want to wear something real sexy, like Lady Gaga on MTV.'
Maybe I'm just getting old!
