As part of a two-year deal with the Cartoon Network’s Steven Universe, the Dove Self-Esteem Project has released a new short film, titled “Competing and Comparing Looks,” offering a confidence-boosting message. In the film, Smoky Quartz and Sardonyx chat about their totally different, but equally amazing, bodies – reminding us that we’re all beautiful and unique! The short film is the second film in a series of six co-created with the Cartoon Network to address some of the biggest barriers to self-esteem and body-confidence among kids. Additionally, the Crystal Gems, along with some friends, continue the conversation in a self-esteem song, titled “We Deserve to Shine.”
A child’s concept of what an “ideal appearance” looks like is influenced by what they see on-screen. Research shows that children’s media can be a powerful source of influence on young viewers’ emotional intelligence, creating more positive attitudes towards their own health and others. For kids who spend an average of 2 hours and 19 minutes every day on screen media, this is a harsh reality that can yield negative impacts like low self-esteem and body confidence.
Using a public health intervention model, the Dove Self-Esteem Project is expanding beyond structured workshops delivered by adults to taking educational content direct to young people in a medium they know and love – cartoons. Inspiring young people through animation, this partnership with Steven Universe will help further educate young people on self-esteem and body confidence through the cartoon’s themes of inclusivity and empowerment, world and characters.
Dove encourages adults to use the tools developed in partnership with Steven Universe as a resource to help kids navigate a 24-hour pop-culture, social media, always-on news cycle that can impact their self-esteem. For more information on the Dove Self-Esteem Project and its partnership with Cartoon Network’s Steven Universe please visit Dove.com/cartoons.
Links
https://www.cartoonnetwork.com
