Susanna Reid, host of Good Morning Britain, 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 appeared on the show with her 19-year-old daughter Heidi, an influencer herself, to discuss DJ’s burgeoning interest in adult skincare products, reportedly fueled by online content.
Concerns Over Young Children and Social Media
Heidi explained that her 12-year-old sister, DJ, had become engrossed in “Get Ready With Me” videos and content focused on achieving “glass skin,” a popular trend online. This led to DJ expressing a desire to purchase skincare products formulated for adults. Heidi shared her growing unease, telling her mother that the situation was becoming “out of hand” and that DJ was likely imitating what she saw her peers and online personalities doing.
Reid directly questioned Katona about the appropriateness of an eight-year-old having access to social media. Katona defended her decision by stating that many other children her daughter’s age were also using these platforms. This exchange occurred in the context of the UK government’s proposed plans to introduce a social media ban for individuals under 16, with curfews for 16 and 17-year-olds slated for Spring 2027.
Generational Differences in Social Media Exposure
Katona elaborated on her observations, noting a significant shift in how younger generations engage with trends and technology. She recalled her eldest daughter, Molly, who is approaching 25, receiving her first iPad at the age of nine. Katona expressed that despite her efforts to limit DJ’s exposure, the pervasive nature of social media makes it challenging to shield children entirely.
“I’ve had every generation of children,” Katona stated. “I’ve repopulated the world alone with all my children. Molly is 25 next month, she was nine when she had her first iPad. What I have noticed with all of my children, is how the generations have changed, and how older, despite how younger they are, they have gotten, so each trend and each generation, it has changed. And as much as I try to keep her off it, everybody else is doing it. It’s hard.”
Heidi, who has firsthand experience as an influencer, echoed the sentiment that adult beauty standards are increasingly being presented to young children through social media. She voiced her support for stricter regulations, including a ban for those under 16 and age-appropriate warnings on skincare products.
Broader Life Changes for Dylan-Jorge
The conversation about DJ’s social media use comes shortly after Katona revealed that her daughter had to transition to a state school following the closure of her private institution. Katona mentioned that DJ was particularly disappointed by the shorter summer holidays at the state school compared to the extended breaks typically offered by private schools.
Katona also expressed frustration with the amount of homework assigned to children, even during holiday periods. “Before, she’d get about 12 weeks off, so now she’s in shock that she only gets half that,” Katona said regarding the holiday difference. “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!”
Kerry Katona’s Health and Family Background
Kerry Katona is a mother of five. She shares DJ with her late husband George Kay. Her older daughters, Molly and Lilly-Sue, are from her previous marriage to Brian McFadden. Heidi and her son Max are from her marriage to Mark Croft.
In recent times, Katona has also spoken openly about her ongoing struggles with chronic pain. She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in February of the previous year and arthritis in 2021. Katona has shared that her body has experienced periods of “completely shutting down” and that she is undergoing tests to understand the root cause of her health issues, expressing concern over her body’s fragility.
She previously underwent surgery for arthritis in her shoulders and a protruding disc in her back. Katona is currently awaiting the results of a comprehensive health assessment, hoping to gain clarity on her condition and manage the persistent pain.
