The involvement of children as young as eight years old in sexually explicit street dances has sparked concern among rights advocates.

Children were seen, during the Yuletide season, performing the daggerin', a quasi-erotic dance, at late-night events in Kingston. The gyrations were done in the presence of adults, who goaded them on.

Margarette Macaulay, child-rights lobbyist and attorney-at-law, said many parents have failed to fulfil their role as guardians.

"Any parent who permits their child to these kinds of act is indicating that their child is in need of care and protection," Macaulay told The Gleaner.

State agencies charged with the responsibility for the care and protection of children said they could not intervene unless formal reports were made.

The Child Development Agency reserved comment.