A growing trend of parents accompanying their children to job interviews may be hurting young applicants’ chances of getting hired, according to an Australian recruiter cited by the New York Post.

Tammie Christofis Ballis, a specialist recruiter and career coach, raised the issue after witnessing a teenage job interview at a McDonald’s in Sydney while the applicant’s mother sat nearby. The interview, she said, lasted only a few minutes, with the parent present in the restaurant throughout.

Ballis later shared her concerns on TikTok, saying the presence of a parent during an interview sends a negative signal to employers. According to her, it can suggest that the applicant is not ready for the responsibilities and independence required in the workplace.

Speaking to Australian media, Ballis said interviews are part of a professional environment governed by workplace rules and expectations, not something parents should supervise. She added that if a young person needs a parent nearby to feel comfortable during an interview, employers may question how they will cope on the job without that support.

Her comments sparked debate online, with hundreds weighing in. Some parents defended the practice, saying they stay nearby for safety or moral support, particularly for younger teens attending their first interview. Others, including people claiming to work in fast food management, said parental presence is sometimes encouraged for applicants under a certain age.

However, Ballis maintained that in her experience, some hiring managers view parental involvement as a red flag. She said fast food and hospitality roles require maturity, resilience, and independence—qualities employers may doubt when parents are visibly involved in the hiring process.

The discussion reflects broader questions about youth independence, workplace readiness, and how much parental support is appropriate as teenagers enter the workforce.