David Beckham has once again sparked debate by kissing his seven-year-old daughter, Harper, on the lips at a public event. The moment, captured while they were watching England’s women’s football team play Norway in the World Cup quarter-finals, has drawn criticism from some who consider the gesture “inappropriate.”

This isn’t the first time Beckham has faced backlash for this affectionate display. TV presenter Piers Morgan previously described a similar video, shared by Victoria Beckham on Instagram, as “creepy.” The video showed David kissing Harper on the lips during a family boat trip in Miami. But is there really something troubling about a parent kissing their child on the lips, or is it simply a harmless expression of love?

The Independent sought opinions from parents, psychologists, and child-rearing experts, finding that most disagreed with Morgan’s perspective. Here’s what they had to say:

A Child’s Perspective on Affection

Dr. Victoria Khromova, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, explained that children Harper’s age don’t differentiate between parental affection and other types of affection. “A quick kiss on the lips is likely viewed by Harper as just another form of normal parental love,” she said.

The more significant question, Dr. Khromova noted, is when parents should help their children understand the difference between affection that’s appropriate within families and affection meant for romantic relationships. While there’s no universal answer, she suggested children should grasp these distinctions by puberty to help them navigate relationships effectively. However, societal norms and heightened awareness of boundary issues may lead parents to address these distinctions earlier.

Dr. Khromova also emphasized that such gestures are only appropriate within the parent-child relationship. “Most kids understand that kissing on the lips is reserved for close family members, like parents,” she added.