The topic for our final debate is about cosmetic surgery for teens. More specifically, Julia and I will be arguing in support of a bill in Germany that bans cosmetic surgery for minors. The bill may seem broad at first glance, but under the bill minors would still be able to get cosmetic surgery needed due to medical problems. This bill only bans the enhancement of features for minors, including procedures like: breast implants, nose jobs, tummy tucks, and lip injections.
Although this may not seems like a relevant medical issue, in 2012, more than 236,000 cosmetic procedures were performed on patients between 13 and 19 . The reasons for these procedures range dramatically, from teenagers simply wanting to correct physical impurities to changing the entire structure of their face because of severe bullying. In fact, on average, plastic surgery tends to peak among teens before heading back to school. This alarming fact only showcases the immense pressure teenagers feel from their peers, mostly brought on from the media.
Some teens tend to be most dissatisfied with the physical features that reflect their culture, and instead aim to fit stereotypes emphasized in books, mass media, and advertisements. The media is often known for glamorizing the thin, perfect light skinned, bleach blonde women. In many cases the media will also use other features from different cultures, creating an image of a “beautiful woman” that no one can obtain. For example, a lingo used mostly on social medias like twitter, “slim thick”. Images of people are manipulated dramatically which distorts women’s perception of beauty.
Some of the facts and information are very alarming and concerning to the health and development of children, not just physical health, but mental health as well. Therefore we are in support of the of a bill in Germany that bans cosmetic surgery for minors. We will continue to carry on our research and hope to crush our competition.
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