If you open up any magazine, you'll likely see a flawless girl with an impossible waistline. Younger girls are being taught that they aren't pretty unless they look like those supermodels. Girls at the age of 13 believe that they need to wear pounds of makeup in order to look "sexy" and "older." They are skipping their childhood so they can become attainable for boys. However, this is not what a 13 year old should be thinking about. Call me old-fashioned, but at the age of 13, children should be thinking of hanging out with friends or maybe going to see a movie. They should't be thinking of looking sexy for guys. They are just children.

The phrase "kids grow up too fast" is becoming a reality in our world today. If you look at the media, you can understand why. The media is pressuring girls to grow up too fast into unattainable standards. Victoria's Secret boasts photoshopped models with thigh gaps and it raises the question of its negative influence on the younger generations. They promote flat stomachs and flawless faces. Their definition of "sexy" is highly unattainable and unrealistic, but it continues to impact the younger generations. They see the magazine ads and commercials. They aren't blind. Their minds are malleable and open to the influences of others.

And yet the only hope we have left is that brands will begin following Aerie's campaign to "challenge supermodel standards" for young women. We must begin to recognize how impactful our clothing and lingerie brands can be on the younger generation. We are responsible for teaching and reminding children that it's okay to stay children for a while. They shouldn't have to worry about makeup, thigh gaps or bathing suit bodies. No one should. They should learn to love themselves. They should love their bodies as they are. We, as the older generation, need to be setting this example as well. We cannot fall for the media's definition of beauty. By giving in to these standards, we are setting bad examples for those younger than us. Be the example.

What would younger you want to hear? That they should listen and follow the standards of the media? Or that they should love themselves?