Featured News
Our new report examines body representation in children’s television and finds that larger body types remain underrepresented on screen. When fat characters do appear, they are often sidelined, stereotyped, or portrayed as different from their peers.
Children learn what bodies belong from the stories they watch. The research shows that more inclusive portrayals can help challenge stigma and expand how young audiences see themselves and others.
Welcome to our website!
I created this research Institute 20 years ago because when I first saw kids’ shows and movies through my toddler daughter’s eyes, I was stunned by the lack of female characters and diversity. Back in 2004, only 11% of family films had female leads. Our latest data show we’ve reached gender parity for leads in family films and kids’ TV in the U.S.
But urgent attention is needed for race and ethnicity, LGBTQIA+, older characters, diverse body types, and disability representation. My institute works with creatives all over the world to enhance on-screen diversity and ensure nuanced portrayals.
There’s a lot of inequity in the world, but we have the power to fix representation in media overnight. Tomorrow, take a look at your projects and make sure they reflect the real world.
No more missed opportunities! And give us a shout – we’re here to help!
Spotlight
Michelle Garza Cervera didn’t often see voices like hers behind the camera in horror. Today, her work is resonating with audiences around the world, offering a powerful example of how storytelling evolves when new perspectives take the lead.
