In a world where social media filters and unrealistic beauty standards dominate our visual landscape, the importance of fostering body positivity in children has never been more critical. That is why YouTube sensation Blippi and Dove have teamed up to ensure that all children feel confident in the skin that they are in via new body positivity campaign.
Starting on October 11, various content will be available for families to watch that promote healthy body-positive views for children. The content includes a 75-minute special entitled, Wonderful Talent Show, available on Prime Video, as well as 26-YouTube shorts, four recently-released episodes, and nine music videos on Blippi’s YouTube channel.
“As a mom of a 6-year-old daughter and 4-year-old son, I’ve seen how the lyrics from the songs can easily become part of our daily conversations. I hope other families can find similar ways to use the songs to discuss body image and feelings,” Katelynn Heil, Head of Brand Marketing and former General Manager of Blippi at Moonbug Entertainment, the company that owns Blippi, said in a recent interview with Parents.com.
“The music and messages are tools to help build resilience and spark important conversations, empowering kids and encouraging positive self-image.”
The new campaign will be aimed at children ages four to six-years-old, as a part of the Dove Self-Esteem Project. The campaign boasts engaging content for both parents and children to foster body positivity in children.
According to research from the Dove Self-Esteem Project, body image problems can begin with children as early as four-years-old. The study also discovered that 1 in 4 girls, aged 4 to 6, already dislike something about their appearance and 1 in 5 boys, aged 6, say they want to be thinner. Early intervention can help.
“Kids are quick to notice and absorb the attitudes and behaviors around them, so if they see adults criticizing their own bodies or hear people in their community talking about dieting, they might start feeling insecure about their own bodies,” Dakari Quimby, PhD, a clinical psychologist for HelpGuide Handbook, explained to Parents.com.
Dr. Quimby went on to say that these issues often stem from different places, including society’s standards, family influences, and what children see in the media. “Cartoons and ads often show unrealistic images that can also make kids unhappy with how they look.”
“Educational media that teaches kids how their bodies work and celebrates individual differences can also make them feel more confident and accepting of themselves and others,” adds Dr. Quimby.
The Blippi/Dove campaign videos are now available to watch on Amazon Prime and YouTube.
Photo: Dove Instagram; Blippi Instagram