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2011/20: Should girls under 16 be allowed into fashion modelling?
Introduction to the media issue
Video clip at right:a UK Reuters news report on the reluctance of Australian magazines to publicise a 14-year-old model during the nation's annual Fashion Week. If you cannot see this clip, it will be because video is blocked by your network. To view the clip, access from home or from a public library, or from another network which allows viewing of video clips.
What they said...
'They are growing up in an extremely appearance-focused culture; the modelling industry can be diabolical for the mental health and wellbeing of some kids'
Julie Gale, director, Kids Free 2B Kids
'Age is such a personal thing; sometimes you're not ready at 18; or maybe you're ready at 13'
Alexandra Agoston, international fashion model, who began working in the industry at 14
The issue at a glance
On November 16, 2011, a Sydney model agency GEAR announced that it was seeking boys and girls aged between the ages of 13 and 19. The agency claimed that for many 16 was too old to seek to become part of the fashion industry. A representative further claimed that many talented young Australians were missing out on an overseas modelling career because they left it too late to enter the industry.
These claims have met with criticism from a range of fashion industry spokespeople, from child psychologists and from the federal education minister.