'I think it's great' - Mum of 13-year-old model hits back at critics

A Co. Down mother has defended her decision to allow her 13-year-old daughter to pursue a professional modelling career. Spectators were shocked when they discovered Darcy Brittain-Dissont's age as she made her debut at Belfast Fashion Week.

The 5'8" teenager, who looks much older than her 13 years, has signed with CMPR modelling agency, something that her mum Brenda McCleary believes has boosted her daughter's confidence in her appearance after she was bullied because of her looks.

"People have been assuming she's 16 from about the age of 10." said the proud mum. "She's just one of those girls that has grown up early, not just physically, but also she's very mature. I think she's well able to take this on."

"Every mother wants to see their child do something that she's happy doing. She used to get a little bit of a hard time, as does everybody that stands out a little bit. She's turned what was potentially negative into something more positive. I think it's great."

Despite the furore, it's clear the sports-mad teen has her feet on the ground and is determined not to give in to the lures of a rock 'n' roll lifestyle just yet.

She told RTE's Mornings with Dave Fanning:

"I'm going to focus more on my sport and my academics and basically just do modelling as a hobby outside of school whenever I have the time to do it," "I haven't picked my GCSEs yet, but I know I want to go to university and pursue all the things I wanted before the modelling even started."

Would you allow your 13-year-old to pursue a career in the spotlight? Let us know on Twitter @HerFamilydotie.

‘I think it’s great’ – Mum of 13-year-old model hits back at critics