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// That insinuates that there is some form of sexual thrill or abuse going on //
There was actually a suggestion that it amounted to a passive form of abuse.
Part of one's responsibility as a parent (not that I am one) is to rear your child for integration into the society of others of the same age.
In the animal kingdom, that means teaching your offspring to kill, or to avoid being killed.
In humans it means, amongst other things, introducing them to the prevalent culture of their peers.
Put in simple terms ...
Not doing something where their mates will ridicule them, and cause the child to feel isolated.
And, for the avoidance of doubt ... two things ...
1. Yes, the other mums and kids do all know about it (especially after being on the telly!)
2. Kids will, instinctively, pick on any child whose appearance or behaviour is "different" from the pack. No amount of PC nonsense will ever change that. Children still have the instinct to pack together against outsiders.
Frankly, this mum might as well have sent the child to school dressed in a clown costume, or wearing a nappy.
I don't think there's any real issue ... this is a form of abuse.