Stop making ultra-thin dolls, says Irish toymaker

This latest study is “the most comprehensive report to date on the impact of skinny dolls on girl’s perception of their own body shape."

An Irish toymaker said businesses should stop making ultra-thin dolls, because they create poor body image in young girls which can lead to eating disorders.

Irish doll manufacturer Ian Harkin of Lottie Dolls in Letterkenny, Co Donegal was reacting to a survey of dolls' body shapes.

The Donegal businessman’s own company, which produces body-realistic dolls, was part of the study.

The research found that playing with ultra-thin dolls makes girls aged 5-9 want a thinner body or “ideal size”.

Lottie Dolls in Letterkenny, Co Donegal, produces body-realistic dolls.

In contrast, the study found that playing with realistic children’s dolls, like Lottie, did not adversely affect girls’ body ideals.

However, if girls played with the ultra-thin dolls before the realistic dolls, their ideal body size remained thinner, says Ian.

“This shows that you cannot immediately counteract the effects of playing with ultra-thin dolls by playing with other toys. So, the best way to protect girls’ wellbeing is to stop making skinny dolls.” 

 The study, published in the academic journal Body Image[/url], was conducted by researchers from Durham University, Newcastle University and Northumbria University. It was conducted independently from doll manufacturers.

The research was led by Durham University Psychologist, Professor Lynda Boothroyd.

Dr Boothroyd said body dissatisfaction “is a huge problem, particularly amongst young girls. 

It can have serious consequences for girls’ wellbeing and lead to eating disorders and depression.

Mr Harkin says this latest study is “the most comprehensive report to date on the impact of skinny dolls on girl’s perception of their own body shape.

“It’s time for manufacturers, retailers, toy associations and toy awards to take positive action and stop promoting dolls with unrealistic body shapes in the market. Toy industry professionals have read these reports but continue to ignore the findings.” 

Lottie Dolls owner Ian Harkin said: “It’s time for manufacturers, retailers, toy associations and toy awards to take positive action and stop promoting dolls with unrealistic body shapes in the market."

“Alarmingly, 95% of the dolls that parents can actually purchase online or in stores are the ultra-thin type. It’s hard for parents to refuse them when they are heavily marketed directly to young girls.” According to Harkin, toy manufacturers are missing out on an opportunity to develop empathy in kids.

“Instead of teaching kids they all need to look the same, why not teach them to embrace who they are, and include other kids instead? We develop dolls with diverse skin colours, body sizes, and abilities, precisely because we want to promote positive self-image, and instill values of kindness and inclusivity.”