A study was recently published by Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, examining how the representation of children on-screen has changed between 2018 to 2022. The study analyzed the inclusion and representation of six categories—gender, race, LGBTQIA+ identity, disability, age, and body size, in two different categories, current popular programming in children aged two to 11, and in TV that is currently being made for children.
Here's what they found:
Most shows that children are watching have a female lead. But female characters are about 44% of leads in new shows being made for kids.
Female characters are underrepresented in animation.
Characters of color occupy a record number of leading roles.
LGBTQIA+ and disabled representation remains very low.
Disabled representation lacks racial diversity.
Fat characters are much more often male than female.
Here are their recommendations:
Hire more girls, women, and nonbinary people to voice nonhuman characters, like ghosts, aliens, monsters, and talking objects.
Cast girls and women in minor roles, too.
Increase the visibility of diverse queer characters.
Increase the representation of disabled young people on-screen.
Diversify live-action characters.
Allow characters of different backgrounds to express themselves and talk about their feelings.
If you are making children’s content, these are interesting things to consider. To read the full report, click here.