A BECKENHAM mother says a controversial show featuring her daughter and other children living alone just shows ‘kids being kids.’

A Channel 4 documentary called Boys and Girls Alone has caused a stir in the national press as MPs, charities and child psychologists have attacked the programme for child cruelty.

They have criticised the makers for leaving youngsters to fend for themselves- cooking, cleaning and running their home- for two weeks without adults, leading to fights and tantrums.

Debbie Beaumont agreed to let her 11-year-old daughter Charlotte take part in the documentary in which 10 girls live together, showing tonight at 9pm.

The mother-of-three said: “Charley definitely had a positive experience. I think they have shown the worst bits in the national papers.

“The kids were having a lot of fun as well.

“Health and safety was never compromised.”

Ten boys are also left alone to see how they cope without their parents and other responsible grown-ups.

Aged between eight and 11 years, the youngsters are left to decide what they eat, when they get up, if they clean and wash up and how they organise and entertain themselves.

To make sure the children are safe, they are monitored by trained chaperones 24 hours a day.

Their parents watch on TV monitors to see what their children are really like when they’re not around.

Mrs Beaumont of Aviemore Way, Beckenham, said: “There were tears and tantrums but that was part of the learning.

“There was nothing too wicked or cruel, just kids being kids.”

The 42-year-old sales co-ordinator who works for an insurance brokers added: “I think children do take parents for granted and I think this does show them.

“Charley became more independent when she got home- and tidied more!”

What do you think? Is it ok to leave children to fend for themselves? Leave your comments below.