AN insolvency expert has called for a national campaign to warn children about the debt risks of credit cards.
Peter Sargent, of Meltham, said action was needed to educate youngsters about the dangers of paying with plastic.
His call follows the increasing use of `pre-paid' cards which can be `loaded' with cash and used to pay for goods.
Some pre-paid cards are targeted at teenagers and can be loaded via the internet or at post offices.
Card companies stress that the cards are not credit cards.
They say pre-paid cards enable parents to control children's spending while teaching youngsters `fiscal awareness'.
But Mr Sargent said he doubted that youngsters would get that message - but would get in the habit of paying by plastic.
He added: "I have worked as an insolvency practitioner for many years and I see the results when people are `credit happy'.
"Children ape their parents' habits when it comes to spending and, as a nation, our reliance on plastic has got out of hand.
"The Government has a duty to work with schools to educate children regarding the dangers of credit card spending."
Mr Sargent, a partner with insolvency firm Begbies Traynor in Halifax, welcomed schemes such as NatWest's Face 2 Face with Finance, an education programme providing young people with financial information.
But he said the Government should pay for such things.
