Maddison Gabriel, Age 13, Models as Adult

Australia has a brand-new modeling controversy. So do the rest of us.

Thirteen-year-old Maddison Gabriel was selected to headline Australia's Gold Coast Fashion Week. Gabriel appeared on September 15, actually a day before she turned 13.

The potential impact for the world of eating disorders is clear. Gabriel is appearing in clothing adults wear (Saturday she was in an evening gown) although she has only recently become a teenager. She has assumed the role of an adult. And she now may become an icon for teen girls all over the planet. Translation for those teens: "If Maddison can be like an adult, I want to do it, too. I know I'm not as good as she is if I can't be like her. I'll do whatever it takes."

Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia often feed on the desire to be what others want you to be. A 13-year-old fashion model working with adults sets that false bar painfully high.

• Eating and body image issues in women in modeling
• Setting good eating examples for kids