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How Young is Too Young?

Posted: Tuesday, September 18, 2007 9:45 AM by Dan Fleschner
Filed Under:

Is 13 too young for a girl to become a fashion model? That's the question facing Australian teenager Maddison Gabriel, who was recently picked as the ambassador of Gold Coast Fashion Week.


Is this girl too young to model?

Supermodel Janice Dickinson spoke with Matt this morning, and in her view, 13 is indeed too young. WATCH VIDEO

Whenever I hear a story like this, I think of two things:

1. What is the role of the parents here?

2. What are the child labor laws?

Yes, there are stage parents out there who will do anything to make their kids (and, by extension, themselves) rich and famous. And Janice Dickinson would know better than I do about the physical and emotional travails of being a model. But at some point, don't we have to trust parents to make the right decisions for their children?

I'm not sure there's a major difference between being a Hollywood actress at 13 and being a fashion model at that age. Jessica Alba, who also appeared on the show this morning, signed with an agent for the first time when she was about the same age as Maddison.

Some people also make the argument that girls are not permitted to compete in some Olympic sports, like figure skating and gymnastics, until age 16. But those girls are allowed to compete in lower-profile competitions, and the age limit is largely to keep growing girls from undergoing the physical rigors of sport.

From his standpoint, Australian Prime Minister John Howard thinks Maddison should be kept off the runway. "Catapulting girls as young as 12 into something like this is outrageous," he said. "There should be age limits, I mean there has to be. We do have to preserve some notion of innocence in our society." 

But does being a fashion model inherently rob a 13-year-old girl of her innocence? I'm not sure there necessarily is a correlation there -- as long as the parents and employers have an understanding of what is appropriate for a teenage girl to do, from both a moral and a legal standpoint.

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Comments

Isn't the more pertinent comment:  "Why would any woman want to emmulate a 13 year old playing dress up?"

Carla Monson, Minnetonka, MN (Sent Tuesday, September 18, 2007 9:50 AM)

What is the difference in modeling and acting?  Are people upset because she is modeling "adult" clothing?  I say it is the parents responsibility to guide and teach any child.  If this is something the child wants to do and the parent is willing to guide and supervise and teach, then go for it.  Should Hollywood stop hiring children for movies and television and commercials?  Maybe.  It still all comes down to the parental role in a child's life.

Chris Nelson, Raleigh, NC (Sent Tuesday, September 18, 2007 10:04 AM)

Of course 13 is too young to be exposed to the adult world of modeling but what do you expect?  It seems as though the line of what is acceptable for children and teens is constantly being pushed too far.  13 year olds entering high school are being assigned books that would have been unthinkable when we (their parents) were in high school.  We have to step back and remember that teenagers are still children, not little adults.  They have the rest of their lives to be grown ups.  Why push them into it before they are ready?  Let's let them enjoy being kids as long as they can.

Fed Up Mom, Connecticut (Sent Tuesday, September 18, 2007 10:07 AM)

I believe that 12-13 is way to young for an industry that exploits thinness and beauty in an unhealthy way. I remember growing up in a small town in South Dakota, and we would have little competitions, but they were age appropriate and looks and size didn't make the difference. There is however one thing that does make the difference, and that is having a name. Parents want there children to have "the name", be in the "in crowd," and to have whatever there peers have. I think now as a parent, I am glad that I came from a middle-class family who just barely made it by and did not have the means to push for this "perfection". Making a name for me, giving me everything, being popular, would not have made me the person I am today. I still work paycheck to paycheck for the most part, I am still beautiful, fun-loving, I can think for myself, I can put my creativity out there, and mosts importantly...I can teach my children the same and let them choose what they want. I don't believe in holding children back, but maybe setting levels should be an even playing field. If they want to model at 12, then only in clothes that fit there age level. Or allow there to be classes, such as dance where they can really learn the industry; good bad and ugly before we allow them to experience the real things. COVER THEM UP and PROTECT OUR GIFTS!

Eckoh-El Paso, TX (Sent Tuesday, September 18, 2007 10:11 AM)

This issue is of great concern to me, a mother of four daughters.  13 years of age is much too young to be exposed to the predatory atmosphere that the advertising industry has manipulated our children with.  It is also a form of sexual exploitation and gender bias fueling the severe psychological impact that fashion has on our daughters and sons.  My advice to the advertising industry and to the media is "Back off the children" and allow them to develop positive self esteem and seek a more honorable and socially responsible approach to capitalism. Legislature and laws should be enacted to protect our children from sexualization directed at them by the media.  Eighteen and over for this industry seems appropriate.  And the adults involved should model some sort of respect for the safety of our childrens' psychological development.
jacqueline brown

jacqueline brown (Sent Tuesday, September 18, 2007 11:10 AM)

What is the difference in modeling and being an ice skater, olympic gymnists, actress, golf pro, tennis pro, etc.????  
We should concentrate on child abuse in our neighborhoods and homless children in our cities - Not on kids who, with their parents supervision are doing outstanding things.  And, work to improve our education systems for all of our children.

Stephena Runyan, Park City, Utah (Sent Tuesday, September 18, 2007 11:18 AM)

Having 13 year olds model adult clothing contributes to adult (albeit immature) women spending large sums of money trying to have the body structure and skin of teenagers. It is unhealthy for the teens and the women to believe that appearance is to be valued more than anything else in life.

New York, NY (Sent Tuesday, September 18, 2007 11:40 AM)

Yes, I do think 13 is too young to enter the world of modeling, which is, at best, unhealthy.  But, what is the difference between underage children (under 18) modeling or acting?

I think that perhaps the modeling industry should adopt the same standards that are in place for child actors to ensure the safety, welfare, and education of the child.

In the end, it is the parent that is responsible for their child.  Sadly, there are many not qualified to do the job well.

Joanne Boyd, Frederick, MD (Sent Tuesday, September 18, 2007 1:21 PM)

I have a Granddaughter who is 11.  My daughter took her to the doctor for her yearly check-up and the doctor stated, "She is the perfect build and height for modeling. Have you thought about putting her in modeling"?  My daughter answered a firm ABSOLUTELY NOT!  Our family believes all girls should be taught that they are loved for their goodness inside and be appreciated for their brain - not their looks.  I feel modeling is a scam to all of us.  Modeling only picks those society deem as the "prettiest".  The question I want to ask all companies who use models is this, "Why not use average looking people"?  I think clothes would sell much faster if an average looking person was modeling those clothes because the consumers would be able to see themselves in those clothes. Our society is sending wrong messages to our girls and boys.  They are telling them that their outer shell is more important than their inner-self.  No wonder we have teenagers who want to commit suicide!  I am not against modeling.  I am against the way our society portrays what a model is to be.  We should not have to legislate common sense!

Nancy Chedsey (Sent Tuesday, September 18, 2007 3:26 PM)

Well, 13 YOs are different everywhere. Different mindsets and maturity levels abound. Personally, I like to see 13, 14 and 15 YO models wearing fashionable designs. More power to the people!
Avert despotism, subvert the dominant paradigm, question our Republic. Avoid complacency.

St. Jo, Humboldt Co., CA (Sent Tuesday, September 18, 2007 4:07 PM)

A thirteen year girl has the "no shape" body required for the fashions which are presented on the runway.   Unfortunately, when these little girls begin to develop, they strive to remain pencil thin, in order to continue to work.  Very often this results in delayed development, skewed body image, and ANOREXIA.......if you have a child suffering from this frightening, life threatening disease you will understand why I think that it is unhealthy for a 13 year old to be modeling in the adult world.  Donna Thomson  Cooperstown, N.Y.

donna thomson cooperstown, N.Y. (Sent Tuesday, September 18, 2007 4:32 PM)

What is wrong with a parent who knowingly puts their child into an environment which is known to foster and promote drugs, alcohol, eating disorders and sexual abuse of minors. Isn't this considered child abuse??

Barb Shevlin, West Seneca, NY (Sent Tuesday, September 18, 2007 5:31 PM)

Hi,as one of the owners of Gold Coast Fashion Week here in Australia and Maddison won our competition,I'd like to remind all that she won an amateur photo competition and a modeling course was one of the prizes. She is an amateur photo model and NOT a catwalk model.

Maybe after she finishes her modeling course she might model clothes but at present she is only an amateur photo model.Please go to the web site and read the proper info before making un-informed comment.This is NOT child abuse but a photo comp. Look at the kids comps in the USA.

Cheers,
david

david edwards (Sent Tuesday, September 18, 2007 7:31 PM)

I don't have a problem with a child or young person modeling, acting, etc. as long as they are portrayed appropriately agewise & not done up like an adult. No wonder why the real adult models starve themselves....how can they keep up with someone who hasn't matured yet? Then tell me how it makes sense that women, are paying top dollar to wear fashions that a kid is wearing? Let the kids model appropriate age apparel-for brands or stores & leave the Super Model apparel -for brands or stores to the adults....if the industry was made to use realistic standards, the weight issue would be a memory & this opportunistic dress up would be too...as would models being washed up by 23. Just another example of the fountain of youth & how we all don't measure up to 12 year olds...let alone why someone would want to..is being shoved down our throats. No wonder so many females have complexes!

Mo Divaliscious (Sent Tuesday, September 18, 2007 8:02 PM)

I do not question whether or not the modeling industry, or any other industry that teaches individuals to value their exterior more than their interior is harmful to everybody involved-- because it is. And I certainly don't question whether or not children, still sculpting their identities, are more susceptible to the detriments of such industries-- because they are. I saw this morning's show, and the one omitted issue that seems to impact the greatest number of people, children and adults, is the pervasive need, that apparently extends beyond American society, to drape women's clothing over adolescent bodies. The modeling industry has been scrutinized and criticized for as long as I can remember for it's appalling contribution to female's physical and psychological health, or rather it's decline. We all know the reality is that woman in America are confronted with unrealistic body standards on a daily basis. Prior to this morning, we could at least pretend that such standards were "attainable," as they were presented by adult woman. If we've now reached a point where the modeling industry must use actual adolescent bodies in order to promote a physical ideal for woman, than clearly we have a problem. I am a 30 year old elementary school teacher. If in 2 years from now the little girls who I currently teach are shopping alongside me, than either -- they are not dressing in appropriate young girl clothing or I am not a physically or psychologically healthy adult woman.    

Madelyn Fieldman, Atlanta, GA (Sent Tuesday, September 18, 2007 8:13 PM)

I THINK THAT 13 IS A LITTLE TO YOUNG EXPECIALLY MODLEING ADULT CLOTHES THATS HOW YOUNG CHILDREN GET RAPED THESES DAYS AND BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO THEM NOW I CAN SEE IF THEY WERE WANTING TO MODLE CHILDREN CLOTHES AND TEENS BUT NOT ADULT CLOTHING BUT ALOT OF CHILDREN AND PARENTS ARE IN IT FOR THE MONEY AND POPULARITY NOT FOR THE WELBEING AND SAFTY OF THERE CHILDREN . CHILREN AT 13 NEED TO BE CONCENTRATING ON SCHOOL AND GETTING AN EDUCATION INSTEAD OF SHOWING OFF THERE BODY  AND TRYING TO BECOME A MODLE YOU HAVE TO BE SKINNY AND I MEAN REALLY SKINNY AND BY THE TIME YOU ARE 18  YOU WILL BE SICK .BUT ITS UP TO THE CHILD AND THE PARENT THERE GONING TO DO WHAT THEY WANT NO MATTER WHAT ANY ONE SAYS ANY WAY

PEGGY WOLFE MASONTOWN WV (Sent Tuesday, September 18, 2007 8:15 PM)

When are parents going to be parents and not allow their children to do things they shouldn't be doing and not try to use them to make money - after all that's probably what the root of it is all about.

Lynn, Elba, Alabama (Sent Tuesday, September 18, 2007 9:36 PM)

My concern is that the young lady being analyzed in this newspiece, was never interviewed.  Doed she deserve less say in this, than an adult.  As an adolescent counselor, I see kids with alcohol and drug issues, and none of them are models or actors.  There is no more substance abuse among child actors or models, than the population at large, just more press.  I have a beautiful, sensitive, intellingent 17 year old niece who has worked as a model since she was 8, when she and her then 9 year old brother, were discovered by a well known photographer while they were manning a lemonade booth in Greenwich Village, NY.  Both she and my nephew did work that appeared in magazines and store ads.  My nephew was less interested in it, while my niece continued.  She learned how to budget her money, do taxes, set boundaries, learn how to handle herself in various locations, and always turned to her parents for support.  My sister never controlled my niece's career; she respected her choices along the way.  My nephew is now in his second year in college with a full-ride academic scholarship in an honors program.  My niece who has been squirreling her money away, told me once that she was lucky to have the chance to make exceptional money, travel to places like Paris, London and Tokyo, and meet interesting people.  When she is away from home, she talks to her mother daily on webcam, she writes daily journals of her adventures to myself, her parents, her grandmother and to friends.  She spends time each day taking practise tests for her SATs, as she plans to attend college next year, and would like to do brain research.  In essence I think it is always dangerous to create stereo-types.  What successful children seem to have in common are parents who are supportive, willing to make time for their children, and respectfully involed in their children's lives.  I see that in my practise and I see that in my niece, who by the way was delighted that I would write her experience, and not what people assume a model's work would be.

Barbara Wust Richmond Virginia (Sent Tuesday, September 18, 2007 9:51 PM)

Come on, Its just modelling, Why do Americans get so upset over nothing. If the model was American than nothing would have been said. I live here now as married to an American and I can not get over how you guys are so shallow. Grow up!!

Marie,Columbia,SC (Sent Wednesday, September 19, 2007 7:02 AM)

Of course 13 is too young!
Is her mother thinking of her daughter or herself?
There's plenty of time AFTER she graduates to model and she'll appreciate what she would be doing to.
The problem these days is that everyone is 'rushing' to grow up

e. benah Melbourne, Australia (Sent Wednesday, September 19, 2007 8:33 AM)

If the girl is modeling to look like a 13 year old, that is OK but if she is modeling to look like a 18-24 year old, then it is a real problem. Is it another case of parents wanting a big paycheck from their children instead of working to pay so that their children enjoy their childhood, one that will never happen again.

Joanne Deutch (Sent Wednesday, September 19, 2007 3:12 PM)

Absolutely, 12 or 13 is way to young to be abandoned to the harsh realty of international modeling, but before anyone forms or states their opinion they should at least get their facts straight. The lucky girl won a local competition that affords her the opportunity of bettering her modeling ability, that's all. She will be staying in high school until finished and won't be getting dragged off to Europe by her mother to make a quid any day soon.
My daughter is 15 and has been on stage since she was barely 13. She chases any opportunity to perform on stage and my wife and I support her in that endeavor. That doesn't mean we are trying to make money out of her or making her grow up before her time. Some children are lucky enough to discover their passion at a young age. Parents must allow them to flourish within a protected environment. Well done Maddison and good luck for the future.

James H. Kinnear,Queensland, Gold Coast (Sent Wednesday, September 19, 2007 8:36 PM)



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