The nation's 'Tweens' are growing up faster than ever before, according to TheBabyWebsite's new survey.
We found the majority of children between the ages of eight and 12 now own a mobile phone, have an email account, make their own meals and regularly eat takeaways.
They are also likely to be fashion-conscious, worry about their weight and appearance, shop for their own clothes and own a lap-top.
It also emerged a large percentage of girls in the age group are already wearing make-up.
The study of 1,500 parents also revealed eight out of ten are terrified their children are already 'behaving like adults' despite their tender years.
Kathryn Crawford, our co-Editor said: "This survey is incredibly worrying. As parents we do want our children to be independent, capable and develop their own personalities as much as possible.
"But it is frightening to think children of this age no longer want to sit down and play board games or read books. Instead kids are already thinking about their appearances, and are getting ahead with the latest technology - things we tend to associate more with teenage behaviour.
"And as a consequence many parents are battling with their consciences because on the one hand they want their children to fit in and on the other they want to keep them as children for as long as possible."
Our study also found parents blame television programmes, advertising, peer pressure and computer games for encouraging kids to ditch their toys for more adult activities.
In fact, 65 per cent of parents are worried that outside factors such as celebrities, friends and television have more of an influence over their children than they do.
The poll reveals 53 per cent of parents feel pressured to buy their child the most fashionable and adult style clothing available, regardless of their personal opinions. Two thirds of parents worry their kids will feel they should look a certain way because of supermodels, television stars, pop stars and celebrities.
More than half of mums and dads think their children are obsessed with fitting in, and 65 per cent panic when their child talks about their own weight and idolises thin celebrities.
But despite their fears, 70 per cent of parents say they do everything they can to help their child fit in with their peers, and half reluctantly admit they are guilty of encouraging their children to grow up too quickly.
In fact, the average parent bought their 'tween' a mobile phone by age 9, the same point at which the average child begins using social media such as the internet, Twitter, Facebook and email. And most 'tweens' aged nine or 10 are allowed to go out alone with friends, into town and shopping.
Indeed, two thirds of parents think their child will already have secrets about boyfriends and girlfriends and how they are spending their free time.
Kathryn Crawford comments: "It's a no-win situation. You try to help your kids fit in and you're treating them like teenagers. You encourage your children to play and act like children and you're holding them back. It's no wonder most parents are confused.
"The key is to find a good balance. Children should be given the opportunity to make their own mistakes, follow their own fashions, and express themselves as they wish.
"But mums and dads can monitor their kid's behaviour closely and be there as a confidante so that they have someone to talk to when they need it. That should encourage 'tweens' to be more open about what they are doing."
TYPICAL 'TWEEN' BEHAVIOUR:
1. Owns a mobile phone
2. Regularly eats takeaways
3. Chooses their own clothes
4. Has their own email account
5. Makes their own meals
6. Watches adult television
7. Watches films aimed at older audience
8. Is fashion conscious
9. Worries about their weight
10. Owns a bikini
11. Uses Facebook
12. Owns shoes with heels
13. Wears a bra or training bra
14. Wears make up
15. Owns a laptop
16. Paints their own nails
17. Goes shopping for clothes and accessories
18. Follows celebrity culture
19. Buys own computer games
20. Tries alcohol
October 2010
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