TEN is officially the most difficult age for modern children

Forget terrible teens – TEN is officially the most difficult age for modern children, according to a new study of parents.

A nationwide survey into the highs and lows of modern parenting has revealed as many as 86 percent of parents believe children are turning into stroppy “teenagers” earlier than when they were young.

In fact, over half (52 percent) complained that their pre-teens can be more difficult than a teenager – with girls emerging as the most challenging between the ages of 8 and 12.

Throwing toddler like tantrums, becoming fussy with food, refusing to brush their teeth properly – and arguments over screen time were the main signs of a “terrible tween” according to the survey – as was, refusing to go to bed, being over emotional and not wanting to be seen with parents and grandparents.

Two-thirds (66 percent) of the parents polled said kids are becoming moodier earlier these days due to celebrity culture and social media encouraging them to grow up faster.

The poll of 1,001 parents with pre-teens by Aquafresh Advance found four in ten believe children are growing up more quickly due to their hormones kicking in earlier due to diet and environmental factors.