Viewpoint by Haneen Khatib/nw news editor

The most exciting part of my childhood was going outside with the neighbor’s kids and playing from morning to night.

I never thought about having a cell phone unless it was the cool new Batman one. And I never thought about boys, other than the fact that they had “cooties.” And I had no idea about makeup or what the word “designers” meant.

Nowadays, 13-year-old children wear makeup, carry cell phones and tote the latest new designer handbags.

Whatever happened to having a childhood? Girls especially feel pressured or insecure and aim to get the high-maintenance lifestyle others have at a young age.

Things I never thought about in my preteens have become a “must-have,” making children look twice their age.

For example, Kendall Kardashian just turned 16. When she was 14, I thought she was at least 18. She wore so much makeup and dressed older like her sisters. When I was her age, I had big glasses and played outside all day in my tomboy shorts and baggy T-shirt.

My 6-year-old baby sister is already saying she wants an iPhone because her friends have one. If they don’t already have an iPhone, then they have an iPad or iTouch. Why? Some say children learn from them. That’s fine, but putting your child in front of a screen all day is not healthy. They need to go out, become active and have adventures.

The Disney Channel barely has any cartoons anymore. Even though Good Luck Charlie, a sitcom, is funny, my little sister does not need to be watching things about a first boyfriend, a first kiss and other inappropriate things for her age.

It’s not just the Disney shows. In the past, PG movies didn’t have hardcore make-out sessions, cusswords or nudity. Now, I must research before I let my little sister or brother watch something because of what has become “acceptable” in today’s society.

Things that used to not be OK are very much OK now. Kids are growing up faster than they should be. The fun childhood I remember is being robbed from them.