A mum has been slammed for saying 'Father Christmas' by people who criticised her for not using a gender neutral title - and now she's worried she's raising her child to use the wrong term.
She says she was "shamed" on a Facebook group for not referring to him as Santa Claus.
PlymouthLive report that the unnamed parent was ridiculed on social media after discussing a children's Christmas book.
The worried woman says she has been left feeling 'on edge' since the comments. Now, hundreds of parents have logged on to share their views on the gender-neutral debate.
She said: "I've just been shamed [on a Facebook group] for using the name 'Father Christmas' and told that 'Santa' is now seen as gender neutral.
"I was only referring to the book below ['Father Christmas' by Raymond Briggs] but it's left me a little confused/on edge about what we are allowed to say.
"I have a small child and don't really want to raise him saying 'Father Christmas' if it's hurtful to some."
A recent survey was taken to see if the name should be modernised.
According to more than 15 per cent of Brits surveyed, an updated name should be used.
Those questioned on how to make Father Christmas more modern were asked whether he should be male, female or gender neutral.
Nearly one in six wanted a change to what the present-giver is called.
In America, more than 20 per cent called for a new approach.
The debate has been raging on Twitter.
One user wrote: "This is boarding on moronic and people need to have a quiet word with themselves."
Another put: "I am all for equality but where does this stupidity stop?"
While one posted: "I think Mary Poppins is sexist and should be Mark Poppins."
