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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think it's sad to see little girls carrying handbags as school bags instead of practical rucksacks.

102 replies

Sophiehoney · 15/06/2026 08:43

Does anyone else feel like little girls are being dressed as mini versions of their mums far too early?

At my daughter's primary school I'm seeing more and more often that the girls from about year 4 onwards are carrying big heavy handbags on one shoulder. The type that an adult woman might carry. They often struggle to carry them as the weight is all on one shoulder and they are bigger bags designed for adults. They look like they would be much comfier with a proper school rucksack.

I've also noticed a lot of them are starting to have heels on their school shoes and very short school skirts. In primary school.

This isn't just my daughter's school as I also work opposite a primary school and see the same there, and see kids going to other schools on my way to work.

AIBU to think it's all a bit sad?

OP posts:
LordofMisrule1 · 15/06/2026 09:10

YANBU, normally I'd say it's not an issue, kids have always liked to ape adults. But this could actually have ramifications for their health and set them up with back issues when they're too young to understand the risks. I know lots of kids sling a rucksack over one shoulder anyway but at least there's the option to spread the weight evenly with both straps if they start to feel pain.

Lifesyoungdream · 15/06/2026 09:09

The primary schools near me all have book bags with the school logo on it so you don’t see young girls carrying handbags but when they move to high school they do seem to carry different bags.