Feb. 2012 Cosmo featuring Dakota Fanning

March 2012 Cosmo featuring Selena Gomez

Teen stars Dakota Fanning and Selena Gomez are growing up fast, but are their fans old enough to follow them? Cosmo seems to think so.

Cosmopolitan is known as the guilty pleasure of many women, and truth be told, their male counterparts as well. Offering the latest in food, style, celebrities, advice, hair and beauty and–most notably–sex and love, the magazine dishes it straight to its readership. This is a magazine for mature women filled with mature topics, but with a fun twist.

So why is it that the magazine is reaching low–very low–into its age demographic? The current February issue features a still 17-year-old Dakota Fanning on the cover (she’ll turn 18 February 23), looking confident and all grown up in a fitted sequin dress. Surrounding her are headlines like “His Best Sex Ever” and “Um, Vagina, Are You Okay Down There?” Yes. Really.

Fanning is a college freshman now, even if you do still picture the “I Am Sam” pint-sized star when you look at her, but does anyone else think this is weird? Like perhaps Cosmo is dipping into a different demo here?

If that doesn’t convince you that something’s a bit shady, then take the magazine’s March cover featuring 19-year-old Selena Gomez. Sure, she’s older, but the former “Wizards of Waverly Place” star and Disney sensation certainly carries with her a younger fan set, as does boyfriend Justin Bieber. On the cover, Gomez sits legs open, bearing cleavage. Bookending her photo are other featured topics “50 Sex Tips” and “Your Orgasm Guaranteed.” In the accompanying article, Gomez talks about growing up and looking for more “edgy” roles on film.

I get it. I really do. These talented young ladies are growing up and have no intention of being pigeonholed in their careers. But I do question Cosmo’s choice in recent cover girls. I also can’t help but wave a red flag over the fact that Fanning and Gomez have a much younger draw than Cosmo usually reaches. But then, that’s the whole point, right?

Am I alone here, mamas? Are you reluctant to see these girls on the cover of Cosmopolitan? Would you let your teen or tween read these issues?