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The fact is that thongs are a more sexualized form of underwear, and to deny this shows extreme naivete. Allowing children to wear thongs sexualizes them sooner, perhaps before they are ready. But then we have to realize that nature is sexualizing children much more quickly these days (with girls reaching menarche younger). So which is wrong? Denying that 12 year olds do have sexuality? Or encouraging it in what may be an unhealthy manner?
I don't think buying thongs for 12-year-olds is proper or right. It's teaching young girls the wrong things about sexuality, and encouraging them to perhaps engage in behaviors that they are not ready for. While children of all ages should be educated about sex and their own sexuality, there is such a thing as too much, too soon. Thongs seem to exist in this realm.
Furthermore, for a developing female system, thongs are an incredibly unhealthy form of underwear to wear. The movement of the thong encourages fecal bacteria to move into the vaginal area, increasing the risk of yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis. A young girl who has never been exposed to these problems would likely have a hard time identifying that anything was wrong with her or her system. Untreated, these problems could have complications, such as lesions (I speak from experience...not a thong wearer at 12, but wearing hot, sweaty leotards in ballet gave me my first yeasties at 11) and other problems. The material thongs are typically made of also does not allow the vaginal area to breathe well.
My verdict? Everyone should wear 100% cotton underwear, in whatever cut they like...but thongs should be off-limits to those under 16, and as long as my future daughter is under my roof, she can buy her own sexy underwear, thongs included.
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If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau
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