Parents think kids are growing up too fast
Eighty-seven per cent of you believe that your children are growing up too quickly.
You are justifiably worried that they are experiencing 'teenage' issues before their teen years, according to new research published by parenting charity Family Lives and alcohol education charity Drinkaware.
It also indicated that three quarters of parent think that the issues their children face today are more serious than those they faced at the same age.
The survey of 800 parents and 600 children found that 'new' issues, including underage drinking and sexting - sending and receiving sexually explicit text - has become more prevalent.
Other findings include the facts that parents are unaware of what is going on in their children's lives, so Family Lives and Drinkaware are encouraging parents to instigate an ongoing dialogue with children about 'grown-up' topics.
Chris Sorek, chied executive of Drinkaware, says: "Being a parent is a tough job. With children as young as 10 being exposed to conversations about alcohol both on and offline, it's essential parents feel equipped to talk to them about the risks of underage drinking.
"Although parents might sometimes feel their children don't listen to a word they say, this survey shows they are in the best position to make sure their children are armed with the facts so they can make informed decisions about drinking when the time comes."
It's not surprising to find that 86 per cent of parents feel increased technological exposure is influencing their children growing up too quickly, especially when they can be on Facebook or Twitter at the touch of a button on their phones whilst out and about.
Jeremy Todd, Family Lives chief executive, syas: "Whilst families have always worried about their children's use of exisiting and emerging technologies, social networking is a relatively new phenomenon that did not exist for most parents when they were at school.
"Family Lives encourages parents to have conversations with their children, as the consequences of inappropriate social networking and messaging amongst children adn young people can be extremely damaging. Young people are more likely to seek help and advice from parents who listen and are supportive, rather than those who lecture or fly off the handle."
Femalefirst Taryn Davies