Blippi and Dove Unite for Fun-Filled Campaign To Promote Body Confidence in Kids

It aims to help kids feel good in the skin they are in.

YouTube sensation Blippi is partnering with Dove for a new campaign highlighting the importance of self-esteem and body confidence . Starting on October 11–which is International Day of the Girl –various content will be available for families to watch.

That includes a 75-minute special, available on Netflix and Prime Video, as well as 26 YouTube shorts, four recently-released episodes, and nine music videos on Blippi’s YouTube channel .

The program, aimed specifically for children ages 4 to 6, is part of the Dove Self-Esteem Project . It will be filled with fun, engaging content to give parents a helping hand in equipping their children with the necessary tools to build self-worth and a positive body image .

The partnership was developed following research from the Dove Self-Esteem Project which shows body image concerns can start as early as age 4. The study found 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. But early intervention can help reduce body image concerns and foster lifelong confidence.

What To Expect From Blippi and Dove

The 75-minute special, titled Wonderful Talent Show , features Blippi , Meekah, and friends hosting a talent show that will inspire kids to embrace what makes them special and love the body they are in. The episodes and music videos, including “My Body is Amazing” and “Shine as Bright as You Are!” will also send the same message.

"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," says Katelynn Heil , Head of Brand Marketing and former General Manager of Blippi at Moonbug Entertainment, the company that owns Blippi. "The music and messages are tools to help build resilience and spark important conversations, empowering kids and encouraging positive self-image."

What Causes Body Image Issues in Kids?

There are various factors that can influence how children view themselves and their bodies.

Dakari Quimby, PhD , a clinical psychologist for HelpGuide Handbook, explains that these issues often stem from different places, including society's standards, family influences, and what children see in the media.

“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,” he says. “Cartoons and ads often show unrealistic images that can also make kids unhappy with how they look.”

Body image issues can intensify as children grow older. A poll from C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in 2022 found 64% of parents with kids 8 to 18 say their children are self-conscious about their appearance. Many of these parents say it impacts their child’s self-esteem and willingness to participate in activities. What’s more, teens are more likely to exhibit self-conscious behavior, and 1 in 5 parents share that their teens avoid being in photos.

Signs of Body Image Issues and What To Do

Body image issues can impact a child’s mental health and well-being. Dr. Quimby advises parents to look for signs that their child is struggling.

"Your child might talk down about themselves, using words like ‘fat’ or ‘ugly,’” he says. “They could seem overly worried about their looks or compare themselves a lot to their friends or characters on TV. They may start to not want to do things that they used to enjoy, especially where their body is more noticeable like swimming or dance classes. You might even notice changes in how they eat, like suddenly not wanting to eat or being very picky.”

If parents do notice signs that their child is struggling, here’s what Dr. Quimby suggests:

• Set a good example. Show a positive attitude toward your own body and try to eat healthy.
• Praise your child. Make sure it’s more for their skills and personality than for how they look. Focus on their kindness , creativity , or determination.
• Talk with them. Start conversations about how the body works. Share the benefits of eating nutritious foods, like how they help us stay strong and energetic, to promote a healthy relationship with food.
• Consume positive media. “Choose shows, books, and movies that show a variety of body types,” he says.

It's also a good idea to seek professional help if you notice your child's mental health is being impacted. Reach out to their health care provider for advice and next steps.

How Positive Media Helps

This is where the new collaboration between Blippi and Dove comes into play, as it can help kids feel empowered. For example, Dove says it found that children who watched the “My Body is Amazing” music video “felt more confident and positive about their bodies.”

Dr. Quimby agrees that media that promotes a positive view of different body types can have a positive impact on children's self-estreem. “When kids see characters who look like a diverse range of people, it can make them feel more valued and better about themselves,” he says, sharing it’s also important for the content to focus on characters’ identities rather than their appearance.

“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.

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