OF FASHION The fashion industry is an exquisite and compelling world of self-expression and style. Little do we know, the industry of glam and fashion can have a negative effect on children . Every year, the age children start wearing makeup gets younger and younger. The fashion industry is showing that you need makeup to be pretty and children are latching on to this idea. Children are learning that looks are more important than character traits or social skills. Author Marie Nilsen stated that, "statistics show that teens are engaging in sexual activities much earlier than the previous generation which may be attributed to the fashion industry's effect." Children are also beginning to dress more mature than their age which can lead to people believing they are older which can ultimately put them in dangerous situations. Cosmetic products have toxic ingredients in them and are putting children at a greater risk for cancer. The industry shields us from seeing the danger in their products. The society is causing kids at a young age to feel pressured into using these products and dressing a certain way. Models have intense diets and follow strict rules to maintain the "perfect" model body. When children see these models, they are likely to feel more insecure about themselves and want to look the same. This causes them to have a lower ego and even put them at risk for having serious eating disorders. Another negative factor of fashion is the amount of time kids put into fashion. They are so consumed in the world of fashion and looking perfect that it takes up a lot of their time when they can be doing other things such as going outside and enjoying nature. Author Rima Hameed stated, "Unlike earlier times, now the teenagers do not go out with their parents on weekends, rather they plan their outings with their friends. For most of them the prime zones for outings have now become malls because they can do a lot of shopping there in addition to having fun." [Adapted from: www.hftornadonews.org]
