Parenting expert Jane Evans appeared on This Morning and Presenters Ruth and Eamonn Holm spoke to her.
Jane said that it is essential to teach children “take control of their own bodies from a young age” and Grandparents should “ask permission” to hug their grandchildren to protect them from sexual abuse.
A mother of two Rebecca who also appeared on the show criticized Jane for her advice saying it ”would raise a generation of cold, emotionless and robotic” children.
Speaking today, Jane said: “If I met you in a room I wouldn’t just grab you I would ask first and it should be the same with children.”
Ruth said: “But surely grandparents would only hug their own grandchildren anyway?”
Rebecca added: “This is absolutely crazy. Where do we draw the line with boundaries? We’re going to raise cold and emotionless children.”
“My father recently passed away and if he hadn’t felt comfortable hugging my child and passed away not feeling close to his grandchildren, I would have been devastated.”
Jane replied back, saying: “This is a major crisis, it’s about everyone, not just families, hence me too movement. Most children are abused by children they know. You just need to give a heads up to what you are doing.”
“It’s more important with children as their brain development is rapid and they need to be taught boundaries early on. It’s basic respect, not sexual.”
Rebecca then said: “With families no, with strangers yes. We’re making a robotic society. We need to teach kids love and affection.”
The discussion sparked debate on Twitter too and many social media users slammed the “snowflake generation” as “ridiculous” while some agreed with what she said.
This Morning conducted a poll and 89 per cent did not agree with grandparents need to ask for permission before kissing them.
One Twitter user said: “‘It’s OCD gone mad. Teach them that it’s ok to say no, but those who you’re close to, be it family or friends are important enough to give a hug to. Grandparents won’t be around forever and are the greatest source of what family is!”
Another wrote: “Omg utterly ridiculous! What is this woman thinking. We’re British…it’s standard. Hug Grandma, Hug Grandad….get the kettle on, where’s the cake?”
However, some Twitter users were in support of Jane’s advice and they agreed with the parenting expert.
One person wrote: “Consent is an important concept and children should have the choice. Autonomy and trust is far more important than tradition.”
Another added: “My mom always does ask my 2 year old daughter…“can nanny have a kiss” then it’s up to my daughter, most of the time she gives a kiss, but there’s the odd occasion she turns away… So yes, kids have the right to refuse.”