I don't mind too much when children are referred to as 'kids' informally, but I do object when our well educated government ministers constantly refer to them as 'kids' when discussing government policy. (Used to keep goats, kids are delightful — though naughty — so perhaps at an informal level it is especially appropriate!)
I really don't think education policy or health policy should be discussed with reference to 'kids'. Apart from anything else, it is disrespectful.
I await the day when ministers talk about pensions as being paid to the old bats and old geezers. That'll light up Gransnet!