Susanna Reid has voiced concerns regarding Kerry Katona’s decision to allow her youngest daughter, Dylan-Jorge (DJ), to use social media platforms at the age of eight. The discussion arose when Katona and her elder daughter, Heidi, appeared on Good Morning Britain to discuss DJ’s burgeoning interest in adult skincare products, fueled by online content.
Concerns Over Young Social Media Exposure
Heidi, who is an influencer herself, shared her worries about her 12-year-old sister, Dylan-Jorge. She explained that DJ had become engrossed in “Get Ready With Me” videos and “glass skin” trends online, leading her to desire adult-marketed skincare. Heidi expressed her concern to her mother, stating that the situation was becoming “out of hand.”
This prompted Susanna Reid to directly question Katona about permitting DJ access to social media at such a tender age. Katona defended her decision by suggesting that many other children of DJ’s age were also using these platforms.
The conversation comes in the wake of government proposals aimed at regulating social media use among minors. These plans include a potential ban for those under 16 and overnight curfews for 16 and 17-year-olds, slated for Spring 2027. Heidi echoed these sentiments, stating, “Adult beauty standards are being force-fed down kids’ throats through social media,” and voiced her support for age restrictions on both social media and skincare products.
Katona’s Perspective on Generational Differences
Kerry Katona recounted an experience at a Boots store where she observed numerous eight-year-olds actively seeking out various skincare products. “I was like, ‘I don’t understand why you need all this skincare,'” she recalled. Heidi’s interjection, “I told you a million and one times Mum, this is getting out of hand,” highlighted the growing concern within the family.
Reid posed a direct question, describing it as “a bit spiky”: “Why is an eight-year-old on social media?”
In defense of her mother, Heidi mentioned that Katona had been “really tough” with her regarding social media use when she was younger, restricting her access until she was 13. Katona elaborated on the evolving landscape of childhood, drawing parallels to her own experiences. “We had Avon, we had this, we had that, I’ve had every generation of children,” she stated. “Molly is 25 next month, she was nine when she had her first iPad.”
Katona observed a significant shift across generations, noting that younger children today appear more exposed to trends and adult concepts earlier than previous generations. “As much as I try to keep her off it, everybody else is doing it. It’s hard,” she admitted, emphasizing the social pressure.
Reid clarified her stance, saying, “I’m not criticising you, I’m only saying.” Katona responded with a touch of humor and resignation, “I mean normally I just put her in a dog cage do you know what I mean? So it was either that or a tablet or iPad there you go kid!”
Broader Family and Health Updates
The discussion also touched upon recent changes in DJ’s schooling. Kerry Katona shared that her daughter had to transition to a state school after her private school closed down. DJ’s primary disappointment stemmed from the shorter summer holidays at state schools compared to the extended breaks offered by her former private institution.
Katona, a mother of five, also expressed her frustration with the amount of homework assigned to children, particularly during holidays. “School is all hands up to ask a question, hands up to go to the toilet. Then they send my child home with homework after they’ve had them in class for six hours a day. I think it’s rubbish!” she exclaimed.
Dylan-Jorge is the daughter of Kerry Katona and her late husband, George Kay, who passed away in 2019. Katona also has daughters Molly, 24, and Lilly-Sue, 23, with ex-Westlife singer Brian McFadden, and Heidi, 19, and son Max, 18, with ex-husband Mark Croft.
In other personal news, Katona has recently spoken about her ongoing struggles with chronic pain. She revealed that her body has “completely shut down” on multiple occasions, leading her to seek medical advice. Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis last February and arthritis in 2021, she has shared that she is awaiting the results of a comprehensive health assessment to understand the root cause of her physical decline. “I live with chronic pain and have for years now, but there’s been more than one occasion recently where my body has just completely shut down,” she stated. “It’s still been really scary and sobering to think how fragile our bodies are.” Katona is also consulting an osteopath for a “twisted” spine.
