Mom Calls Out Magazine for Failing Our Daughters in Powerful Open Letter

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A mom’s recent tirade about a teen girls’ magazine highlights a long-standing issue in the way we communicate with our daughters. The concern? That the messages we send girls boil down to just caring about fashion and attracting boys. To put this into perspective, a side-by-side comparison of covers from a girls’ magazine and a boys’ magazine reveals just how starkly different these messages are.

Sharon Thompson, a mother of three girls and two boys, recently shared a striking image on social media that juxtaposes the covers of Teen Style and Young Explorers. While both magazines cater to their respective audiences, they couldn’t be more different in content. In her outspoken letter to the editors of Teen Style, Thompson criticized them for their focus on trivial matters like makeup tips and dating, which she argues reduces girls to mere objects of appearance.

She points out that the cover of Teen Style features a girl sporting a full face of makeup with the invitation to “steal her secrets,” while Young Explorers boldly proclaims: “Discover Your Future,” showcasing a variety of exciting career paths—scientist, astronaut, and more. Thompson poses the essential question: could these messages be any more dissimilar? Or, let’s be honest, could the messages directed at girls be any more ridiculous? Shallow? Absurd?

This is an alarming example of media influence that sends a detrimental message to our girls. We inadvertently teach them that their value lies in their looks, what they wear, and how boys perceive them. Sure, girls are encouraged to excel academically, but the underlying message suggests they shouldn’t aspire to serious careers.

Thompson goes on to compare the content within the magazines, noting, “Your true stories are: ‘real girls spill their dating secrets.’ Meanwhile, Young Explorers features: ‘Incredible tales from firefighter heroes.’” What are we really teaching our daughters here?

The cover of Teen Style boasts headlines like: “Achieve Dream Hair!” and “100+ Ways to SLAY on the First Day!” It raises the question: why are women—who presumably are intelligent and accomplished—creating and promoting content that doesn’t reflect their capabilities? Could it be that profit takes precedence over positive influence?

This issue isn’t isolated to just one magazine; many publications aimed at girls propagate similar damaging narratives. Yes, women can appreciate fashion, hair, and makeup, but we are so much more than that!

As consumers, we hold the power. By continuing to support such sexist content, we contribute to the problem rather than solving it. We can demand better for our daughters and challenge the culture that limits their potential.

“You CAN combat the objectification of girls. You CAN create narratives that portray girls as more than just hair, makeup, and relationships,” Thompson asserts. “Until you do, I guess I’ll be signing my girls up for Young Explorers instead because the quiz they really need isn’t ‘Are you ready for a boyfriend?’ but rather ‘What Do I Want To Be?’”

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In summary, a mom’s open letter has sparked a necessary conversation about the damaging messages girls receive from magazines. By demanding better content, we can empower young women to pursue their dreams and recognize their true worth.