How young is " too young " ?

A storm erupted when twelve year old Maddison Gabriel was chosen as the face of Queensland's Fashion week. There is no doubt that Maddison is a very pretty girl but the selection has renewed comment on the factors that impinge on models - and their influence on the aspirations of the young who use them as role models.
There has been a flood of criticism on " thin " models, some of whom appear to be suffering from Anorexia. Their use has been blamed for many young girls suffering ill health trying to reduce their dress size to what many consider an " insane level ".
Unfortunately, models bare no relation to the average woman when it comes to dress size and their use simple continues a stereotype that is unrealistic, but does a lot of harm to the impressionable.
The matter of age is something else again. Maddison was technically twelve years old when chosen, but celebrated her thirteenth birthday within days of the event.
In the eyes of the law she is a child. She is forbidden to smoke, drink alcohol or drive a motor vehicle - but because she appeals to the people who judged this event she has the opportunity to become famous, make a lot of money - and probably go on to become an international fashion model.
Should she be denied that chance - simply because she is what many consider to be " too young " ?
Some would say she could achieve that aim when she is older, but fame is a fleeting thing. When opportunity strikes it must be seized. In the glamour stakes there are no second prizes.
The British Fashion Council has recently banned models fifteen years of age or younger. There are also calls for models to be more than a given minimum body weight.
Maddison may be the last twelve year old to step into the spotlight if that tendency follows here. Whether that is a good thing or a bad thing is a matter for each individual to decide !