Are young people becoming too obsessed with their looks?

Is it a "California thing" or are children nationwide becoming obsessed with their appearance?

Nobody, of course, would argue with sending your child to an orthodontist if his teeth are crooked. Bad teeth can also affect speech and chewing. If a child starts putting her hand in front of her mouth when she smiles, her teeth have become a psychological problem.

A good dermatologist is also needed if a teenager has acne so bad that it won't go away with over-the-counter medications.

But when 9-year-old girls are bringing a can of Slim Fast for lunch or when 9-year-old boys are worried about their "abs," it's getting out of hand.

We've heard that some high school girls are even getting breast enhancements.

If so, that's ridiculous.

Nobody under 18 should be getting plastic surgery unless it's a necessity.

It's different when a defect causes mental anguish. A scar or birthmark should be treated if it's causing psychosis or an inferiority complex.

But we are who we are.

We can't change the color of our skin. Until we're 18, we shouldn't be allowed to consider any elective procedure involving plastic surgery.

It's okay to use makeup.

It's fine to use mouthwash, breath fresheners, deodorant, perfume and cologne.

Hair dyes and contact lenses are okay, too.

But when pre-adolescents are eating diet foods and when 10th-graders are getting breast augmentations, it's gone completely overboard.

Tell us how you feel on this subject or any other by sending a letter to the editor to the address in the box below or e-mail moorpark@theacorn.com.