Experts claim so-called “helicopter parenting” is leading to mental health issues in children in later life.

Triple P Positive Parenting Program Professor Matt Sanders said overprotective parents were preventing their children from experiencing failure.

As a result, he said some children were becoming afraid or anxious as they grew up.

“It’s one of the most common mental health problems that children experience,” Professor Sanders said.

“If we step in and take over they get used to relying on someone else to fix it for them - not a good message.

“There are lots of kids are anxious and worried and its a significant psychological problem that affects many children in the community.”

Instead, experts are encouraging parents to stay on the sidelines and "empower" their children to cope with day to day stresses and major life events.

Education lecturer Dr Rebecca English said typical helicopter parenting might include not allowing their child to do anything themselves and controlling their friendships, homework and other activities.

She said parents should encourage their children to help themselves, rather than fixing their problems for them.

“Teach them to manage it by being a guide on the side and help them to to help themselves - you're not always going to be there,” she said.

Parents, she said, can help by showing confidence in their child’s ability to deal with any situation, congratulating them when they’re brave and avoiding rescuing them from failure.

“I think you're fearful for the future you're fearful for how you're child is going to cope in an unknown world,” she said.