A recent issue of Discovery Girls is drawing criticism for offering swimsuit advice aimed at children as young as eight, suggesting ways to enhance their appearance in swimwear. As summer approaches, we’re all too familiar with the relentless barrage of body image messages, from fruit-shaped body comparisons to guides on the “most flattering” bikinis. But this time, it’s not just adults feeling the heat—it’s kids, and that’s raising eyebrows.
The magazine’s two-page spread includes illustrations of various body types labeled as “curvy up top,” “straight,” and “rounder,” along with recommendations for swimsuits that supposedly flatter. Phrases like “Add curves with asymmetrical straps” and “high-waisted bottoms work best if you’re rounder in the middle” have many wondering: Why on earth are we teaching young girls to worry about such things? What’s next—telling them to hide behind a towel if they don’t meet these arbitrary standards?
Discovery Girls targets readers aged eight to thirteen and claims to support girls facing challenges like rejection and the pressure to be perfect. Ironically, the feature that was intended to help girls feel confident in their swimsuits has instead perpetuated the very ideals that can lead to negative self-image. The response from the public has been overwhelming, with many expressing their disappointment on social media. Even a pediatrician suggested that the magazine should be banned from waiting rooms.
In light of the backlash, the magazine’s publisher, Laura Simmons, took to Facebook to apologize, stating, “I can’t believe an article so contrary to our mission made it into our pages. We aimed to help girls find fun swimsuits that boost their confidence, not focus on body image.” While her statement is commendable, many commenters pointed out that you wouldn’t find a similar article in a boys’ magazine, highlighting a double standard in how body image is addressed.
Messages about body image can leave lasting impressions. As a woman in my late twenties, I still hear echoes of my childhood critiques—like how horizontal stripes make me look wider or that black is more flattering. These thoughts are hard to shake, and many parents are now more conscious than ever about the messages their children absorb, especially when they’re just starting to navigate the complexities of self-image.
For kids reading Discovery Girls, this could be their first encounter with the notion that they need to conform to a specific body type. It’s a message that will unfortunately echo throughout their lives, and it definitely doesn’t need to start before they’ve even hit double digits.
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In summary, the backlash against Discovery Girls for its swimsuit tips aimed at young girls underscores the urgent need to protect children from harmful body image ideals. Instead of promoting confidence, the magazine’s advice has sparked concern and disappointment among parents and health professionals alike.