David Beckham is harshly criticized after kissing his 10-year-old daughter on the lips

David Beckham has rekindled a debate after posting a photo in which he gives a kiss on the lips of his 10-year-old daughter.

"Dad and Princess Leia had a nice walk this morning," Beckham wrote in two photos of himself and his daughter Harper.

Despite having a somewhat humorous expression in the picture, which suggests Beckham was aware of what the response to the kiss would be, many individuals shared their concern about what they see.

"Why do you kiss the girl on the lips?" "It's weird and inappropriate," one person commented, while another said, "Although it's a very sweet gesture, please do not kiss your daughter on the lips."

Someone else said, "Enough with the kisses on the lips!"

According to another critic, Beckham should "show his love" by "kissing on the forehead, cheeks, etc.", but not on the lips, because his daughter "is no longer a baby and kisses on the lips are unacceptable."

In response to criticism of Beckham's parenting, many came out in defense of the father of four children, with some noting that they often kiss their family members on the lips.

This is not the first time Beckham has been involved in controversy over his choice to kiss the girl on the lips.

In 2017, Beckham provoked a reaction to a photo of him kissing his then five-year-old daughter during a Facebook Live chat, where he noted that he was often criticized for this behavior, and stressed that he always did it with his children. 

However, criticism has not deterred Beckham.

According to child development experts, behavior is not something that should be labeled "inappropriate."

Ollwyn Moran, neurological development therapist and CEO of Cognikids told The Independent: "Showing love to your child is very important. There are many scientific studies that highlight the importance of this.

"Moreover, what worries me the most is the fact that this behavior is sexualized. Why?!"

Child psychology Dr Fiona Martin has also agreed, as she has previously said that the parenting show is "beautiful" and that "anything that promotes emotional connection is good".