She has made her name as the champion of teenage girls, with a special insight into what makes them tick.

But young fans of the former children’s laureate and best-selling author Dame Jacqueline Wilson might be shocked to hear that she thinks teenagers should have less freedom and stricter parents who say “no” to them more often.

The 62-year-old novelist said she was deeply concerned that many children grow up too fast, even though her own books contain adult themes, such as divorce and single motherhood. Many of her teenage characters are precocious, worldlywise and wear make-up and tight-fitting clothes.

In an interview with The Times, she said that just because she wrote sympathetically about adolescents did not mean she wanted them to achieve the independence they craved.

“I feel it is a real shame that children act like adults at an alarmingly early age. Because the narrators in my novels are teenagers, it may look as though I am pushing for teenagers to have more freedom. But that is not what I believe,” she said.

“Parents need to take a stand, to tell their children ‘I don’t care if everyone else in the class is allowed to do this or that. You are not.’ No-one wants a confrontation, but adolescence is a tricky time and it is the nature of the beast that teenagers are a bit stroppy. You just have to accept that.”

She said that she believed teenagers secretly liked rules.

“Basically, many teenagers want to be told ‘no, I’m not allowing you to go there.’ It comes as a relief to them and then they can moan and groan to their friends. Parents are well-meaning and want to be popular with their children, and they remember clearly how they felt when their own parents told them they couldn’t do things. But they need to set boundaries and offer guidance.”

Dame Jacqueline said she was aware that she might be dismissed as a “grumpy old woman” for harking back to her own childhood. “I know girls are desperate to look cool, but I wish they didn’t all want to wear high heels and tight, trendy clothes. It is sad that they don’t do that ordinary playing together that they used to. I’m not saying it’s all bad but it would be nice if they enjoyed simple pleasures, like going out for a picnic.”

Dame Jacqueline, who has a grown-up daughter, was speaking prior to the publication of her new novel, entitled My Sister Jodie, a story of two sisters – one studious, the other rebellious – and how their parents cope.

Her concerns are part of a growing sense of alarm about modern childhood and the unhappiness of so many young people in Britain today. Research shows one in ten has a diagnosable mental health problem, while underage drinking and teenage pregnancy are the highest in western Europe.

The Children’s Society, which is conducting a two-year research project on modern childhood, welcomed Dame Jacqueline’s decision to speak out.

“Her comments are a welcome addition to the current debate on childhood. The Children’s Society is concerned that young people are continually subjected to pressure to achieve, behave and even consume like adults at an ever-earlier age,” said Bob Reitemeier, chief executive of the society.

“Childhood is not just a path to adulthood, but a critical part of life in its own right. It’s essential that as a society we allow children to enjoy this crucial time in their lives.”

A poll conducted by ICM to coincide with the publication of Dame Jacqueline’s new book found that 71 per cent of parents allowed their children to drink alcohol at home before they were 18, while 45 per cent allowed 16-year-olds to spend the night at their boyfriend or girlfriend’s house.

Among children aged 16 and under, 53 per cent are allowed to stay out later than 11pm, while 35 per cent of girls aged 12 and under have been allowed to pierce their ears. Half of the girls surveyed are permitted to dye their hair and wear make-up by the age of 14 and 55 per cent of parents believe childhood ends at 11.

Teen troubles

Anna said she’d shorten it for me, but I knew she’d only turn it up a centimetre or so. I wanted my skirt really short. Only I’m not that great at sewing. The hem went a bit bunchy . . .

Anna didn’t say anything but I knew what she was thinking. Dad was more direct: “For God’s sake, Ellie, that skirt barely covers your knickers!” “Honestly!” I said, sighing. “I thought you tried to be hip, Dad. Everyone wears their skirts this length.” It’s true. Magda’s skirt is even shorter.

From Girls in Love by Jacqueline Wilson

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