A child protection activist has backed calls for children not to sit on the laps of shopping centre Santas for Christmas photos.

Prompted by a debate among parents on social media, Bravehearts founder Hetty Johnston spoke out about the need for children to feel safe and not feel pressured to sit on Santa’s knee.

“The directive would be for children to stand beside, unless parents or children request to sit on his knee,” she told the Courier Mail .

“Shopping centres have duty of care to protect children on premises.

“We teach kids it’s ok to say no if they don’t feel safe.

“This means not having to sit on anyone’s lap, including family members, if they don’t want to.”

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In 2011, sweeping new changes were brought into schools in the UK.

Parents who offered to dress up as Santa were told they must not allow students to sit on their laps and they cannot be left alone with them.

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