Question about British/American difference...

[Kimberly Davison]

Hi, I think this would be the right list to post this question to...  I have
noticed at least twice on separate occasions where someone mentions how odd
it would be for a British child to use the term "sir"...  I had no idea this
was uncommon in England, could anyone elaborate on this a bit?  Is it
considered rude?  Or disrespectful?  In America it is a term of respect, and
I had no idea it was different over the pond!  :-)
Kimberly Davison