As a woman and mom of teen girls, I'm worried about Ariana Grande.

I'm also concerned that some commentators think it's in poor taste to have a robust conversation about celebrities struggling with their health, even though these are the same stars who built careers on being watched and celebrated for their appearance.

It's important to speak about it with honesty and kindness. Celebrity culture and the art stars create influence how young people see themselves. Whether they mean to or not, stars set a standard much of the public measures itself against.

The "Wicked" star has faced intense public scrutiny over her appearance, and according to a statement from her spokesperson, she plans to take "a step back from visibility" once her current tour ends, People reported.

That scrutiny has only grown since the release of her music video "Petal," in which a noticeably thin Grande appears gaunt, and rages against the criticism.

Grande's appearance is a warning that young people should be able to see and talk about openly. Yet there's a push to steer any discourse about her toward a live-and-let-live shrug, as if noticing is itself the offense. A culture that claims to celebrate both celebrities and open debate shouldn't suppress discussion of what's plainly visible.

In 'Petal,' Ariana Grande appears thin and frail

It's obvious why Grande's new music video has sparked........

© USA TODAY