A study through the International Spa Association found that more than half of its 7000 member spas offer treatments for children and teenagers.
An increasing number of youngsters in affluent areas are going in for massages, facials and other such treatments. In fact, there is already one spa, Eclips Kids in McLean, VA, that caters exclusively to children.
Some experts question the wisdom of allowing children to have such treatments.
“It worries me because it just tells them that happiness comes from how you look and from buying instead of learning how to do things,” said Dr. Diane Levin, a professor of education at Wheelock College in Boston. “If you go to a spa, you’re happy for a day, but you haven’t done anything internally to lead to real happiness, success or value.”