Disney Invests in African Animation, LGBTQ+ Kids Exist, LEGO CON, Barbie Goes Green, Google Play Apps & COPPA — plus, JoJo and Gran Are Coming to America!
Kids Culture Report [June 2021]
Kids Pride 🏳🌈
Most kids’ media brands put on blinders during PRIDE Month, as if LGBTQ+ kids don’t exist. They do. Saying you’re inclusive means including *all* kids. [NYT]
Representation Matters 👦🏾
At the 2021 Annecy International Animated Film Festival, The Walt Disney Company announced the pick up of two African animation series: ‘Kiff’, by South African creators Lucy Heavens & Nic Smal & ‘Kiya and the Kimoja Heroes’, by South African artists Kelly Dillon & Marc Dey. [QZ]
Screen Time 💻
“Screens are not inherently toxic. They’re neutral. It’s what we do with them that matters.” [Mother Jones]
Social Impact 💖
A Barbie makeover that’s not by kids, but for kids! Introducing ‘Barbie Loves the Ocean’, the first collection made out of 90% recycled ocean-bound plastic. [YouTube]
Kids Privacy 🔐
“A study conducted by CompariTech found that 50 percent of all the Google Play apps that violate COPPA have received a “teacher-approved” badge.” [CompariTech]
#LEGOCON 🐱🐉
On June 26th the first-ever LEGO CON kicked off and delivered some new builds, interviews with set designers, and behind-the-scenes looks at the entire process. Ranging from the latest creations from a galaxy far, far away to new LEGO Ideas models and more, the presentation showcased the latest from the brick-built world. [9 to 5 Toys]
Teaching Gen Z 🏫
After a year of online learning, what challenges did lower-income parents navigate during the pandemic? 18% of lower-income families had their internet service cut due to costs and 23% have no computer at home at all. [New America]
Kids Content 📺
“Love is love, and we are so happy to add this special family to our Sesame family.” [CNN]
“Noggin picks up BBC Studios’ JoJo & Gran Gran. The first two seasons launched June 14 on Nickelodeon’s preschool service, marking the animated series’ US debut.” [Kidscreen]
COVID Kid Culture 🦠
“Too many young generations have been shaped by the global crises they faced — Depression-era poverty, Cold War nuclear fears. Add to them the COVID generation.” [TIME]
Mental Health 🧠
“The largest long-term study of brain development and child health in the United States, the landmark research project will follow the biological and behavioral development of more than 10,000 children beginning at ages 9–10 through adolescence into early adulthood.” [University of California]
Kids Gaming + Metaverse🎮
“Like any place real or virtual, the metaverse will have kid-safe “neighborhoods” and others that are “adults-only.” The concept, though, will make complete sense to kids. Who could better benefit from a coherent, connected world of play, creation, and learning?” [Dubit]
If you’re reading this in your inbox, you can find a shareable version online here. You can follow Derek on Twitter, Instagram. You can also find Youth Pop! on Medium.
