There is a story in the media today, describing how British retailer Primark has withdrawn a range of products that drew a great deal of criticism.

The product? Bikini sets with padded bra tops – for children ages seven and up.

Various watchdog groups criticized the chain for offering these items for sale in the first place, claiming it was further evidence of the sexualization of children.

The chain apologized, and said it would donate any profits from the sale of these items to charity.

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But you don’t have to go to Britain to find items such as these. I was in a local store recently, and as I was walking down the aisle between the children’s and men’s clothing sections I noticed a rack of very colourful bra-and-pantie sets on the one side.

As I walked past the rack something caught my eye, and I went back and had a closer look. That’s when I noticed that the bikini bra tops were padded.

At first I thought that perhaps this was just a display of adult items, but the overhead sign read “Girls.” I checked a tag, and sure enough these were girls’ clothes: sizes 7 to 12.

I understand how some women – and even teenagers – feel that they need to enhance what nature has given them. And yes, there is an increase in early-onset puberty, with girls as young as eight beginning to “bud.”

However, I can’t see any reason for a seven- or eight-year-old girl to wear a padded bra.

Girls are under tremendous pressure to follow trends, and it seems that younger and younger girls are being influenced by teenage and even older women as media icons: Britney Speers, Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga.

By the same token, the media seems to be targeting younger audiences with sexier depictions in their advertising and in the products being offered.

Do scantily-clad Media Icons Impact Girls' Body Image?

I am always encouraged by young people, especially girls, who possess a positive self-image, and demonstrate self-assuredness in their choices. But there is a line that seems to have been crossed.

It was bad enough when teenage girls started wearing rather skimpy clothes, showing off more than modesty would dictate. But prepubescent girls wearing padded bras and thongs certainly goes too far.

We are shocked and disgusted by news of paedophiles and child porn; shouldn’t we be as shocked by children dressing in a manner that at best would be described as provocative?

In a similar vein, I read an article last summer about another emerging – and disturbing – trend. Some mothers are taking their young daughters – seven or eight years of age – with them to the spa.

That in and of itself doesn’t sound so bad. However, these daughters are getting themselves “waxed.” (Yes, a bikini wax.) The idea is that if waxing is started before pubic hair emerges, it will actually prevent the coarser hair from developing, and the girls can remain “smooth.”

To my way of thinking, if an adult woman chooses to go “smooth,” that is her decision.

But shouldn’t a young girl be allowed to make that decision herself, at the appropriate time – perhaps after she has first experienced puberty?

Our children should be allowed to be children. They should have time to discover their own identities and, in due time, their own sexuality.

They need to make the transition between child and adult in their own time, not have it thrust upon them.

But… that’s just my opinion.