Discovery Girls, a well-regarded magazine aimed at tweens, has released a controversial three-page swimsuit guide in its April/May issue. The guide provides advice for 8- to 12-year-olds on selecting swimsuits based on body types, suggesting tips that seem contrary to fostering a positive self-image.
For instance, girls are advised to add curves with asymmetrical straps and bold prints if they have a straight body shape, while those described as “rounder in the middle” are told to choose busy geometric patterns to draw attention inward. The article also implies that girls with curvier bottoms should focus on eye-catching details at the top to shift attention away from their lower halves.
As a parent, I find this approach concerning. My 8-year-old daughter, who falls into the magazine’s target demographic, typically chooses swimsuits based solely on fun colors and patterns that she likes. She has a healthy, carefree attitude about her body, and I want to keep it that way. The last thing she needs is to be preoccupied with fitting into specific body norms or worrying about her waistline.
This article could inadvertently instill self-consciousness in young girls, prompting them to scrutinize their bodies in ways they might not have before. The fact that such content was published raises questions about the editorial process. Catherine Lee, the publisher, expressed her disbelief in an open letter on the magazine’s Facebook page, stating that the focus was meant to be on fun, confidence-boosting swimsuits rather than body image issues.
However, this isn’t the first time a brand aimed at empowering girls has missed the mark. Last year, a similar situation occurred with a magazine that provided beauty tips based on face shapes, leading to young girls questioning their appearance. After public backlash, they issued an apology, yet here we are again.
It’s essential to emphasize that highlighting differences in girls’ bodies and suggesting ways to ‘correct’ them is unacceptable. Let’s allow children to enjoy their youth without the added pressure of body image concerns.
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In summary, the Discovery Girls swimsuit guide illustrates the need for magazines to be mindful of the messages they send to young girls. Instead of promoting healthy body image, it could lead to unnecessary self-doubt. We should focus on allowing children to thrive without the burden of body-conscious advice.