Pros and Cons

As with any other controversial issue, there are two different beliefs on the effect of beauty pageants on young children. Some people believe beauty pageants are beneficial to young girls. These people think that pageants increase self confidence, and they put more emphasis on inner beauty. Also, many doors are opened to girls who participate in pageants, such as scholarship opportunities. A final benefit to the involvement of young girls in pageants is the life skills that are taught, such as public speaking, which is helpful later on in life.

Along with the benefits of beauty pageants come the disadvantages. Beauty pageants are harmful to young girls in many ways. For example, they cause unnecessary stress on the contestant and her family, there is too much emphasis on appearance, young girls are sexualized in certain parts of the pageants, self-esteem issues are developed because of them, and young girls are forced to lose their innocence during them. These disadvantages greatly outweigh the benefits, therefore proving beauty pageants are more harmful to children then they are beneficial.