Dove and Cartoon Network are partnering to help build girls’ self-esteem through cartoons, for the first time. Watch the second of six special Steven Universe episodes here.

Dove is partnering with Cartoon Network’s Steven Universe to tackle low body confidence and self-esteem issues in young people for the first time through mainstream entertainment such as cartoons. This revolutionary partnership will come to life in a series of six cartoon short films over the next two years, directed by Steven Universe creator Rebecca Sugar.

Since 2004, Dove has been helping young people build positive body confidence through the Dove Self-Esteem Project and our educational resources developed for parents, teachers and youth associations. This year we’re co-creating educational content together with Cartoon Network’s Steven Universe to educate young people in a modern and entertaining way. The Dove Self-Esteem Project will reach 40 million young people by 2020.

Research shows that children’s cartoons can be a powerful source of influence on young viewers’ emotional intelligence, creating more positive attitudes towards their own health and others. A child's concept of what an “ideal appearance” looks like is influenced by what they see on screen.

At Dove, we want to ensure the content that children watch and read encourages them to develop a positive body image. The Steven Universe characters are fighting various forms of evil in the world, getting their strength from their body shape. The short cartoon films we’ve created address key topics validated by academics to have an impact on young people’s body confidence. The second of six short films featured here focuses on competing and comparing looks. Critically acclaimed, Steven Universe is the first animated series on Cartoon Network to be created by a woman. A global pop culture phenomenon recognized for its overall themes of inclusivity, empathy and relatability, the show is inspired by Rebecca’s friendship and close relationship with her younger brother Steven.

These tools are part of the Dove Self-Esteem Project’s commitment to create a media landscape for young people that is inclusive by acknowledging every person’s uniqueness and representing true diversity.

Join our mission and help a young girl you know grow up confident. Download our free educational resources and spend an #HourWithHer to improve a girl’s self-esteem for a lifetime.