Is 12 Too Young for NYC Nightlife? The North West Kim Kardashian Parenting Controversy

A 12-year-old roaming the streets of New York City without her parents is bound to turn heads. But when that child is North West, and she's hanging out with adults twice her age, the internet doesn't just watch—it reacts. On January 1, 2026, the social media star found herself at the center of a heated debate over her mother's parenting choices.

The North West Kim Kardashian Parenting Controversy Explained

North was spotted in NYC on New Year's Day alongside 25-year-old rapper Babyxsosa. The group posed in front of Rockefeller Center, and images quickly flooded Instagram. Netizens were quick to blast Kim Kardashian for allowing her daughter to navigate the city unsupervised by family. "It's disturbing how North is always out by herself," one user commented on Reddit, questioning why a middle schooler is spending her time with working adults.

The backlash isn't just about safety; it's about the loss of childhood. Some fans compared North's rapid public ascent to the early days of Britney Spears and Amanda Bynes, who faced burnout after rising to fame too young. Critics argue that Kim is modeling her daughter's image after the "party girl" era of the early 2000s, pushing her into an adult world long before she's ready.

From Instagram Debuts to Co-Parenting Conflicts

This latest incident follows North's official Instagram debut in December 2025. Her posts, featuring custom diamond teeth and designer gear, have garnered over 2.2 million likes. While some call her "iconic," others see a child being "spoiled" and "badly brought up."

The parenting drama isn't new. Kanye West famously criticized his ex-wife's decision to let North on TikTok back in 2022. Although the former couple reportedly spent a cordial Christmas together in December 2025 to focus on co-parenting, these public outings suggest that the fundamental disagreement over North's exposure remains unresolved.