Child beauty pageants feature contestants under 18 years old competing in various categories like talent, swimwear, and evening wear while wearing makeup and elaborate hairstyles. They started in the 1920s to boost tourism but became more popular in the 1960s. Pageants are largely unregulated by child labor laws. Contestants typically spend less than 2 hours competing and no more than 90 seconds on stage. While pageants aim to boost confidence, they are also criticized for potentially causing body image issues, costing families thousands of dollars, and prioritizing a narrow definition of beauty. Reality TV shows have brought attention to intense pageant culture and preparation.