Kids should be banned from Britain's Got Talent!
The fact that Hollie Steele was allowed to perform in Britain's Got Talent is a disgrace. If ever there was an argument for imposing an age limit on TV talent shows, she is the big red line drawn underneath it.
Children are popped on stage to perform like monkeys for the gratification of a baying audience. It is wrong and should not be allowed, not even if they really, really really, really want to, with sugar on top.
Kids this young can't legally smoke or drink, yet apparently it is fine to hurl themselves into the limelight and potentially change their whole lives. These children are not mentally equipped to cope with being put in the spotlight, which was clearly demonstrated during Hollie's performance on Friday. Watching that poor child bursting into tears was such a heart-wrenching vision of isolation and desperation. There is no way I'd allow any of my kids to be put in that position.
How is it that Britain's Got Talent is allowed to work with these children, yet every other person in the country has to jump through huge hoops before working with kids so as to maintain their safety?
Her presence on that stage has left her and her family an open target for criticism - her mother has been vilified as a pushy parent and Hollie has even been accused of putting on an act to try and curry sympathy with voters.
Even if we take her performance at face value, was it really fair on the other contestants that she be allowed to do her piece again? Although I'd be the last person to begrudge a child such as her another chance, I'm afraid the answer to that question is no, it wasn't fair to the other competitors, adults and children alike.
Susan Boyle and the very sad and private happenings in her life have now become nothing short of media fodder. Here is another person who this television company has failed in order to make a quick buck. The needs of this vulnerable person were sacrificed for the almighty pound.
Most of the news that I have read, watched and listened to has conveniently omitted that this lady suffers from learning difficulties, and it was obvious from the outset that she would not have been able to cope with the pressures that this show brought.
Britain's Got Talent has a duty of care to every person who gets up on that stage and in so doing makes them money - in the case of Susan this duty must last for years to come.
David Wilson is a psychologist and professor and Birmingham City University. He believes that these talent shows exploit people when they are at their most vulnerable. Had this show been part of an academic experiment, where the wellbeing of participants is paramount, Britain's Got Talent would have been stopped.
It should not be left for the producers of shows like this to decide who is allowed to perform. They have a vested interest in getting the most entertaining people up on the stage, whether or not it causes massive distress to the poor performers.
With the increasing popularity of TV talent shows, it seems there is a growing need for a regulatory watchdog to act in the best interest of the participants, not on behalf of the programmers and not even the audience.
Someone needs to look after the Hollie Steeles and Susan Boyles. They are clearly vulnerable members of our community and should be treated as such.
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Laura Yates - Brummie mum Laura Yates is a 27 year old mother of two from Kings Heath. She gives her take on family life in the city.
I have nothing against children performing - they do it all the time in school performances.
The issue is, like you said, with the pressure put on them and the need to turn it in to a competition. Plus asking them questions like "What would winning mean to you?" "how would this change your life?" and other similar questions doesn't help.
I like a good bit of ''healthy'' competition between kids!!!! Sets them up for a life of disappointment!!!! In life, NOT EVERYONE is a winner and schools etc are to quick to try and pretend that that is the case! There are winners and losers in all walks of life!!! Let them learn this valuable lesson early! If they want to compete let them...but never push!
I think The Other Half may be right! (it had to happen some time).. TV talent shows are focused on the story behind the child; the more desperate the kid question, the higher the audience ratings.
Hendie - you're right: Society tells us that everyone has to win, but this just makes people feel bad when they 'fail'.