London - Tatler was criticised after encouraging children to flirt with their friends’ fathers to get invited on holidays.
The high society magazine’s Teen Tatler supplement suggests a list of ten “charm rules”, suggesting teenagers should bring “cunning presents” such as expensive chocolates to win over fathers and mothers when they stay over with a friend.
The article states: “Take half an hour out to flirt (gently) with the parent of the opposite sex and then write a witty thank-you letter — bingo, you’re a winner.
“Soon, word will get out and you’ll be invited everywhere — dinners, more country weekends, swanky holidays and so on, and so on... Think of it as essential homework for life. Hone your social-seduction techniques now and those same tools will serve you handsomely for ever.”
But British Lib Dem MP John Hemming said: “I was surprised at the article given prosecutions in recent months involving relationships between men in their forties or fifties and girls in their teens.”
Twitter users also criticised the magazine. Beatrice Curnew said: “Really disgusted at what Teen Tatler is suggesting.”
Jennifer Lipman tweeted: “This Teen Tatler story is astounding. How could anyone even think advising teens to flirt with parents of friends?”
Emma-Louise Trooter wrote: “I don’t have enough words to suitably describe my disgust.”
A Tatler spokesman said: “If the feature is read in its entirety it is clear we intended it to be light-hearted. We’re sorry if the content has been taken out of context.” - Daily Mail