When did it become a crisis for a child to actually fail?

MY hearts breaks for Romy, it really does. This plucky 12-year-old had the courage to step on The Voice Kids stage to belt out an Adele tune only to be shot down.

MY hearts breaks for Romy, it really does. This plucky 12-year-old had the courage to step on The Voice Kids stage to belt out an Adele tune. No mean feat at the best of times, much less for a pre-teen.

No doubt it was uncomfortable watching this beautiful, young girl cry over her failed audition, but did I think the hoo-haa that ensured was justified?

Well, no.

It seems everyone has taken The Voice Kids to task, claiming their treatment of Romy was irresponsible.

Romy burst into tears when none of the judges turned around for her.

Psychologists have slammed the show, with Dr Michael Carr-Gregg suggesting this now 13-year-old will be scarred from the experience, while parents have branded the show opportunistic for the airing her audition and ensuring tears.

I don’t understand what all the negative hype is about.

I think Romy can hold her head up high, and if her courage on stage is anything to go by, all signs are that she will be able to walk away from this experience a stronger, more confident young lady.

Did they go too far? ... the judges were visibly concerned for the girl’s wellbeing.

It’s not nice to watch but let’s get real. It’s a singing competition for kids.

You can guarantee that many more will be disappointed as they fail to get through the auditions or get knocked out on the rounds. The parents know this, the kids know this.

There’ll me more tears to come, but since when did it become a bad thing to fail as a child? We’re so sensitive to the emotions of a child that we generally forget that life experiences will shape them and help them grow as a person.

Too much to bear ... the judges rushed to console the youngster when she broke down in tears.

I remember crying bitterly having under-performed in algebra exam in primary school.

Nobody suggested the teacher be hauled before a committee to explain the consequence this poor mark would have on my psyche.

Neither did my parents offer me counselling.