NICK Killian, public relations officer for the National Parents' Council, is very much aware of changing teen fashions: he helps to organise teenage discos, and has been surprised at the number of 12 and 13 year old girls sporting the new skimpy look.
He would have a problem with these clothes, although he says it doesn't arise for him because his daughters prefer jumpers and jeans.
However, he appreciates this is a particularly difficult area for fathers. "I've heard dads say, look at what she's gone out in - but they won't say anything to their daughters because they're afraid to put a sexual construction on it."
Some fathers are easygoing on this, many, absolutely the opposite. Remembering how boys talked about girls, and about girls who dressed in a certain way, they are alarmed if they think that girl might be their daughter. But apart from the classic "You're not going out in that", it seems discussion of the subject will be left to mothers.
Perhaps this is the best way in this delicate area. Says Marie Murray, "Fathers shouldn't make any remark that indicates they've noticed their daughter's sexuality. And they should never ever call them a derisory or sexual name, never use words like `tart' or `slut'. You've no idea of the damage that will do. And if you imply that is how they're behaving, they, may start acting according to their label.