Lately, controversy surrounding teenagers shopping without parental supervision has been a hot topic on social media. Stores are now considering not allowing unaccompanied teens in stores because of the destruction they are causing. There have been no shopping restrictions instated in Kansas, but in other states, there have been new regulations in large corporate stores such as Target and Sephora preventing individuals under 18 from shopping unaccompanied.

On TikTok, there are girls from ages 10-12 that are known as “Sephora Kids.” The following is the definition of Sephora Kids according to The Daily Free Press: “Essentially they are, hordes of Gen Alpha kids are storming Sephora stores nationwide, purchasing anti-aging products, ruining sample displays and disrespecting both employees and their parents along the way.” The teens are destroying around $1,000 worth of makeup displays each time they shop. Many workers have shared their experience on social media that they are quitting their jobs, regarding the disrespect. 

According to USA Today, Sephora kids are an “epidemic” in the making. Due to social media, kids are low on self-esteem and feel like they need to keep up with the trends. Even if the trends are made for older teens and adults. They are buying hundreds of dollars worth of Rare Beauty, Charlotte Tilbury, and Drunk Elephant that aren’t suited for their age group. Influencers of TikTok are influencing these kids to buy them, even if it’s damaging to their skin. 

What is causing the most harm is the destruction displays and disrespect to the employees. Testers of makeup products are in ruin causing customers to not shop in Sephora. The employees are quitting their jobs because of the rudeness and disrespect of the kids, and their parents. 

Due to the outbreak of teens disrespecting their use of stores and employees, Sephora’s and other retail stores are changing their ways. Other retail stores are adding regulations on age and the time teens are allowed to shop. In New York, the retail store, Target is not allowing teens under age 18 to shop without parental supervision Monday through Friday.

This massive outbreak of the teens made stores question their shopping age limit. Stores all across the U.S. are debating whether or not they should limit teens. Social media influences are causing some issues, affecting the areas around us. This begs the question: Will this become a reality locally?