Diversity and representation in toys

As children prepare to head back to school for the new academic year, issues of self-confidence, attitudes and acceptance towards others and mental health have never been more important.

Seeing the Lionesses recently lift the European Championships is said to have inspired loads of girls to take up football and John Whaite and Johannes Radebe finishing second in Strictly Come Dancing last year had a massive impact for the LGBTQIA+ community.

But it is not just about seeing yourself on TV, it is also about children seeing themselves represented in the toys they play with growing up.

Diversity is important for 79% of parents when purchasing toys and entertainment platforms for their kids – rising to 88% for those parents aged 19-24 – as 54% believe that diversity and representation in toys can help children develop a more positive friendship attitude towards their peers with disabilities, according to new research from Rainbow High, MGA Entertainment.

Aston spoke to Michelle Lilley, MGA Entertainment marketing director for UK & Ireland and model Joanne Dion.

Photo by Hannah Rodrigo on Unsplash