Hristio Boytchev reportsThe toy company Mattel has been criticised for “stealth marketing” after giving away free Barbie and Ken dolls to schools as part of a programme to teach empathy to children. Mattel said research it had sponsored showed that playing with dolls offered “major benefits” for child development, including nurturing social skills such as empathy. Leaflets aimed at pupils said, “Enter the ‘Barbie’s School of Friendship’ Competition for a chance to win a Barbie Toy Bundle worth £100! She said that the children enjoyed the sessions, which helped them engage in positive discussions about friendship, social skills, empathy, stereotypes, disabilities, and kindness. “Each school has autonomy over the materials they use, provided they are factual and age appropriate,” a spokesperson said.

Source: The Guardian July 20, 2023 23:12 UTC