http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/7825301/High-heels-for-girls-are-sexualising-children-parenting-groups-warn.html
Retailers are selling high-heeled shoes to girls as young as three, according to parenting groups who fear the new fashion trend is prematurely sexualising children.
The trend was sparked by pictures of Suri Cruise, the three-year-old daughter of actors Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, who is regularly photographed in sparkly heels.
Asda, GapKids and Next are among the High Street brands who offer heels for young girls.
Justine Roberts of Mumsnet, the parenting forum, said: "Some of the shoes I have seen on sale look more suited to a lap-dancing club than the feet of a young girl.
"The items in question are prematurely sexualising young children. We are saying to retailers, 'Have a look at your range and ask yourselves if these items are appropriate. Some of the school shoes Tesco sells have got a two-inch heel. You shouldn't have a high heel if your feet are developing.
"It's not about being Mary Whitehouse. It's about not sleepwalking into a world where this is normal.
"Young girls always want to dress up and emulate adults, and that's fine. But when the bulk of the range on offer is like this, then it is making our children grow up too fast."
Mumsnet is running a campaign, Let Girls Be Girls, asking retailers to sign up to a code of practice and given an undertaking not to sell products which prematurely sexualise children.
Nicola Lamond of Netmums, another parenting group, said: "I went shopping with my daughter and was horrified by how many shoes came with a high heel in sizes to fit girls as young as three. These shoes will be harder to walk in than flat shoes so I'd be worried my child would injure themselves."
Gregor McCoshim, a podiatrist, warned that young children should not wear heels. "The fact children can wear these is worrying. Any heel above 2cm increases the risk of twisting an ankle. Wearing them can cause strains in the back which is a potential problem for their growth and development."
A spokesman for Asda, which is currently selling a pair of Disney Princess children's sandals with a 3cm heel, said the retailer had received no customer complaints. A Next spokesman said: “Their popularity suggests many parents agree we’ve come up with a look that’s special without seeming inappropriately grown up.” GapKids said their child heels had been tested to ensure safety.
The subject of Suri Cruise's footwear has become a hot topic on parenting forums. Her mother said they did no harm. "Like every little girl, she loves my high heels. They are actually ballroom dancing shoes for kids. I found them for her and she loves them."
In April, Primark withdrew padded bikini tops aimed at girls as young as seven following criticism that the items were sexualising children.
David Cameron, then leader of the Opposition, described the clothing as "completely disgraceful" and condemned the "early commercialisation and sexualisation of our children".
