Young children are extremely impressionable. The early years of life is when our personalities develop, we develop a moral compass of our values and ideals; a sense of right and wrong. If young children are lead to believe their worth and value as human beings depend on their physical appearance then this is likely to become their belief throughout their lives.

If a young child is naturally cute they are often told this fact, this is not normally harmful if it within a balanced life and other attributes are equally valued. It is when the physical appearance begins to be the main aspect of the child that problems occur. If a child is preened and dressed up constantly with immaculate hair and nails then what chance is there to develop their physical skills and partake in the carefree nature that childhood should be. Children climb, run, jump, play rough and tumble if they are concerned about messing up their hair or breaking their nails how can they do this? How can they be children?

The argument that states it is the child who wants to take part is just not valid. All children enjoy dressing up as any 'home corner' of any early years setting will show. It is the parents who encourage them to take it further, who encourage them to develop this interest and turn it into a serious pursuit of vanity.

In today's society generally there is too much pressure to 'conform' to an ideal pictures of impossibly thin models airbrushed to perfection bombard us everyday. It is no coincidence that eating disorders, self harming, and cosmetic surgery are common place. However, you also only need to read the headlines to see that these models of 'perfection' are often unhappy, with drinking, drug taking emotional and relationship problems commonplace.

So when we look at these over sexualised young pre teenage girls we should be extremely concerned about their welfare. The self esteem and emotions are the things that will be affected by these competitions. The hopes and dreams, however misguided are raised by parents who encourage them to enter. The children who do not win may perceive themselves as not pretty enough and therefore further ensure their quest for an artificial appearance.

Another aspect of the way these young children are dressed in a sexualised way is that of the ever possible presence of paedophiles. To dress a young girl in high heels and make up with over dressed hair is practically inviting people to view the children as sexual beings. Is this really what the parents want for their young children?

These competitions are harmful to children in many different areas, it is actually difficult to see why any parent would want their children to take part.

Learn more about this author, Angel Quinton.
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