Frankie Bridge has faced criticism after sharing that she allowed her 11-year-old son, Parker, to go into their local town on his own.
The 36-year-old Loose Women presenter shares sons Parker and Carter, nine, with her husband, former footballer Wayne Bridge.
Frankie Bridge sparked controversy after sharing her latest parenting choice in a TikTok video.
She revealed, “I have just dropped my first born off for his first time hanging out with his friends on his own in town,” adding she’s “trying to be the cool mum about it.”
However, she admitted that Parker “doesn’t really know how to cross the road properly” and forgets to put his seatbelt on “every time” he gets in the car.
“I don’t think I’ve ever left him anywhere on his own, and today is the day,” she said.
Frankie revealed that Parker had been “talking about it for two weeks” and was meeting up with a group of friends, including some from an all-girls school.
She reflected, “First of all, how am I a mum with a child going into secondary school who’s now apparently doing things on his own?”
She added, “Second of all, how are you supposed to be okay with them having a life and moving on?”
As for the advice she gave Parker before his big afternoon out, Frankie admitted she wasn’t sure “how helpful” it was but told him simply, “don’t be a di*k.”
Frankie also shared her advice to Parker before he headed out: “Don’t be rude to people, don’t get in a fight, be polite, don’t make fun of people, and don’t make people feel intimidated.”
She described the moment as a big test of her parenting, wondering, “Have you told them the right things? Are they the kind of kid who’s going to listen to or remember those things when it really matters?”
Captioning the video, she wrote, “Some solid parenting.”
However, many commenters disagreed, insisting that Parker is “way too young” to be out alone.
“11 is crazy, I was at least 13,” one said.
“He is 11, absolutely too young to be in town,” added another.
Here’s a retell of that section for you:
Many commenters expressed concern, with some warning about the dangers out there. One said, “My daughter is 11 and there are way too many weirdos out there.”
Another shared, “My oldest is nearly 16 and he only went out with mates for the first time two days ago. It’s so worrying.”
Others added, “11 is way too young, my daughter just turned 13 and still isn’t allowed to hang out in town with friends,” and “Not in this day and age, 11 is way too young.”
The sentiment that “the world is just not safe now” was echoed by several.
However, Frankie also received support.
One commenter reminded her, “You were an actual popstar at this age… he’ll be fine.”
Others pointed out that “kids face more harm online than out with friends,” and criticized overprotectiveness, saying it’s a reason why some young adults struggle socially.
Some parents shared their own experiences, like allowing their 10-year-old to take the bus with friends to the next town.
Others warned about the risks of too much screen time and inactivity, while reassuring Frankie, “He will be fine.”