Disney has launched a new scheme inspired by its princesses to give children a voice.
The poll of over 1,000 four to 14 year-old girls and boys was commissioned by Disney UK, as part of its Dream Big, Princess campaign, which asked children to identify the issues that they most want to fix or improve in the world, ranging from cleaning the ocean, to world hunger.
The research also found that children are becoming more socially conscious with 64 per cent feeling that they have the power to make the world around them a better place.
Almost half (48 per cent) of all children polled also said they were prepared to stand up for the things they believe in, with 23 per cent having already campaigned about things they care about at school.
Nine per cent of children have even written to the Prime Minister or their local MP to ask that they look into an issue they are worried about.
Disney has partnered with invention experts, Little Inventors, to inspire them to share ideas that could help change the world.
Harnessing the qualities of the Disney Princess characters, from Ariel’s curiosity to Merida’s bravery, children are being encouraged to use their incredible imaginations to come up with invention ideas with no limits – they can share these ideas at www.littleinventors.org/disneyprincess .
The child behind the best invention submitted will receive a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork of themselves brought to life by Walt Disney Animation Studios legendary animator, Mark Henn, who animated Ariel, Jasmine, Tiana, Mulan, and Belle.
“Disney Princesses have inspired generations of children to dream big and believe in themselves. From the free-spirited and determined Jasmine, to the adventurous Rapunzel, the Princess stories show time and time again how incredibly resilient they are, overcoming obstacles with courage and changing their world in their own special way!" said Marianthi O’Dwyer, Vice President, Franchise at The Walt Disney Company.
She added: "We believe it’s important to inspire young people to have the courage to right wrongs and use their wonderful imaginations to make the world a better place and we hope to see as many children as possible get inventing and take part in this inspiring Little Inventors campaign."
Top ten things children most want to change in the world
- Being kinder to others
- People not having enough food to eat
- People not having any money
- Protecting animals and their habitats
- Making sure everyone has a home
- Cleaning plastic from the oceans
- Wars around the world
- Boys and girls being treated the same
- Cleaning up litter
- People not having access to clean water
Visit www.littleinventors.org/disneyprincess for more information.
