Supermodel parties for kids

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Little girls have always loved to play dress ups, put on their mother's clothes, smeared on make-up, and parents never thought much more about it than harmless fun.

Now, with the debate raging over the sexualisation of children and even a senate inquiry examining the issue, the latest in teenage birthday parties has attracted a fresh round of criticism.

It seems girls are learning how to sell a product, strut the catwalk and get the supermodel make-over, all in the name of a birthday celebration.

Debbie Reeder runs a modelling agency on the Gold Coast. Her supermodel parties for tweens have become so popular, she's hosting at least one a week where young girls party like they are Australia's next top model.

"The supermodel birthday parties are basically for any age," Debbie said.

"I think under six they are a little bit young to understand what it's all about, but predominantly the ages of seven right thru to 17 are the most popular ages.

"The girls love the chance to play Paris Hilton with their friends. We video that and then we play it on the television and they really get a sense of feeling like they are a supermodel."

But critics argue: why would we want our kids to aspire to that? At the age of 13 and even younger, pole dancing lessons and pampering parties for young children have drawn heated debate and claims this is just another way kids are being exposed to sexualisation.

Julie Gale is a mother of two and founder of "Kids Free 2b Kids", based on concerns children are growing up way too fast.

Her organisation has made submissions to the child sexualisation senate inquiry.

"It's a growing body of evidence to say our kids are being affected by sexualised imagery," Julie said.

"Kids are sold sex everywhere. They're bombarded with messages from billboards to young girls' magazines. Even role models like Miley Cyrus and her recent Vanity Fair shoot are sending the message to children that sexy is fun."

"What is happening that there are links now from sexualisation of children there are links to increased anxiety, depression, low self esteem, self harm and body image problems."

But Debbie Reeder rejects any criticism. In fact, she claims the supermodel parties are confidence boosters for young girls.

"An extension of the deportment classes of old, moving with modern times," Debbie said.

"Within the two hours they are here, it is birthday fun. It is not seriousness, or it's not them growing up too fast, no."

The 13-year-old wannabe supermodels and their parents say the party was a positive. At $29 a head, they see it as just a new spin on finding an affordable way to celebrate a birthday.

Reeder Models website: www.reedermodels.com