I am sure you have heard of the infamous Candy Crush Saga, Subway Surfer, or maybe even Littlest Pet Shop. These are the care-free, fun computer and cell phone games we see many children and teens in our lives enjoying (and maybe even ourselves sometimes too). However, a new, alarming, set of electronic games is starting to take hold among young people.
These new games, predominantly aimed at young girls, help children identify “problem areas,” such as wrinkles, skin imperfections, narrow eyes, or identify areas that are in “need” of some Botox. The “Little Skin Doctor Treatment Game” claims to have the best cosmetic surgery simulation doctor treatments for kids and girls.
As someone who acts as a role model to many young girls, I was upset to hear about games that teach young girls to be dissatisfied with their appearance and that beauty only occurs through plastic surgery or doctoring their selfies.
The purpose of the game is to treat wrinkles, smooth out skin, and apply facelifts. Even more shocking is a type of game that is receiving increased attention, the “Slim Booth (Lite) Magic!,” which promises to make personal photos “more beautiful.” The description accompanying the Slim Booth app proposes questions such as, “Would you wonder if you would look prettier or more handsome with a slimmer face and bigger eyes?” The app claims to work as well as plastic surgery in order to “slim” one’s face and alter facial features.
As someone who acts as a role model to many young girls, I was upset to hear about games that teach young girls to be dissatisfied with their appearance and that beauty only occurs through plastic surgery or doctoring their selfies. If you too are upset by this new wave of electronic games, sign up for the Body Project where you can learn about Body Acceptance and embrace all the wonderful and unique pieces of your body. Let’s come together and teach the young girls that look up to us that inner beauty needs no makeup.
