Why Can't Other Social Media Users Be Like Millie Bobby Brown?

In one reply to Instagram trolls, #MillieBobbyBrown has shown more maturity than many other social media users.

At issue was a tight dress that the 14-year-old chose to wear on January 11, 2019. To be sure, Brown looked stunning, and there was nothing inappropriate about the dress. As a high school teacher who predominantly teaches students that are right around Millie Bobby Brown's age, I can tell you I have seen many students over the years who have worn clothes that are as tight as the dress she wore and in some cases, more revealing.

Trolls were quick to point out that Brown should "act her age." I'm sorry, but Brown is acting her age. Most 14-year-olds start pushing a wide range of societal barriers, and first among these usually is modes of dress. Where do you think the expression "these kids today" comes from? It certainly isn't because teenagers all dress in the same completely modest manner as they've likely done in the previous decade or so. They're looking to find their own modes of self-expression, and trying different looks is a huge part of that.

Brown did not post a picture of herself half-naked, strutting down a busy city street. She posted a picture where she looked happy, reminding us all that a smile is one of the best accessories we could own, and she was dressed well. What is wrong with that? Certainly, the dress is snug, but there are a whole lot of clothes put out by designers today that are tight fitting. The goal of this is undoubtedly to highlight our figures, whether we're male or female, and are tight-fitting garments to everyone's tastes? Definitely not. As someone who does wear compression t-shirts a lot—this is because loose, flowing garments make me feel as though something is constantly wrong with my clothes that needs fixing. I can tell you wearing tight-fitting clothes has nothing to do with age and everything to do with confidence and what sort of clothing makes you feel good. Brown clearly feels great wearing the dress she's wearing, so kudos to her.

Brown should also be commended for her mature response to those who are telling her to act her age. In short, the actress responded, "You don't like it ... scroll past it."

Can you imagine how much happier we'd all be if we followed this simple direction when we're on social media? Many of us have this need to comment on absolutely everything under the sun, and it's not always warranted. In the case of Millie Bobby Brown, we are not her parents, so why should anyone but them determine that her dress is too tight for someone her age? She's 14, and while not everyone will agree with someone that age wearing a tight-fitting dress, it's not up to everyone to jump on the social media bandwagon and tell her to act her age.

We have the right to scroll right past something we disagree with, or unfollow someone or something, or simply not leave a comment because we're too tired to even muster an appropriate response. In the case of Millie Bobby Brown and her dress, why are people jumping on her Instagram feed and trying to make her feel bad for wearing something that so obviously makes her feel great?

Remember what many of our parents have said, if you don't have something nice to say, don't say it at all. Millie Bobby Brown is actually acting her age by wearing a tight-fitting dress, simply because she's at an age where she's going to start trying different things as part of her overall look, and that's nothing to do with her being an actress. It's got everything to do with her being 14.

She's also showing a whole lot more maturity than many on social media today, and that is perhaps her most powerful fashion statement.