Updated: April 28, 2020
Originally Published: May 12, 2005
Discovery Girls, a well-known tween magazine, claims to promote a positive self-image for girls aged 8 to 12. However, the latest issue features a three-page spread on swimsuit tips tailored to “the perfect suit for your body type!”
If my daughter, an 8-year-old in this demographic, picked up this magazine, she’d find advice such as:
- “For a straight figure, create curves with asymmetrical straps and vibrant prints!” or “Contrasting piping can define the waist!”
- “If your tummy is rounder, busy patterns can draw the eye inward!”
- “For those with a curvier bottom, focus attention upwards with eye-catching designs on top!”
Honestly, my daughter’s only concern when choosing a swimsuit is whether she thinks it’s cute—she’s all about the colors and fun patterns. At this age, she’s blissfully unaware of body image issues and I’d like to keep it that way for as long as possible.
She shouldn’t be worried about finding a suit that “adds curves” to her perfectly normal childhood body. There’s no need for her to fret over waist-cinching designs or hiding her childishly round tummy. And the idea of “pulling attention up” from a curvy bottom? That’s just absurd. Adding insult to injury, the illustration featured a girl with African-American features, which complicates the issue further.
It’s baffling how a publication aimed at empowering girls could promote such damaging ideas. Instead of encouraging healthy body image, this kind of content might lead young girls to scrutinize their bodies in ways they never did before, worrying about how they look in a swimsuit instead of simply enjoying summer fun.
Catherine Lee, the magazine’s publisher, expressed her astonishment in an open letter on their Facebook page, stating, “It’s hard to believe that an article so contrary to our mission could have been published. The intention was to feature cute swimsuits that boost confidence, not to focus on body image negatively.”
While I appreciate the acknowledgment, it raises questions about how such oversight could occur at all. This isn’t the first time a so-called girl-empowering brand has missed the mark. I previously critiqued Lego Friends magazine for suggesting hairstyle tips based on face shapes for kids aged 5 to 12. My daughter asked whether she had an “oval face” after reading it, which led to an unnecessary conversation about beauty standards. After some media backlash, Lego issued an apology.
It’s time to be loud and clear: highlighting differences in girls’ bodies and suggesting ways to “fix” them is unacceptable. Let’s allow our children to just be kids and focus on more important things than their appearance.
This article was originally published on May 12, 2005.
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Summary
Discovery Girls magazine has faced backlash for an article targeting young girls with swimsuit advice based on body types, which contradicts its mission of promoting a positive self-image. Critics argue that this content could instill body image insecurities in children, rather than celebrating their natural bodies.