Study: Kids want more female superheroes

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By Weslie Swift

PHOENIX – A new study finds kids want to see more female superheroes on both the big and small screens.

BBC America and Women’s Media Center surveyed 2,431 boys and girls between the ages of five and 19, as well as parents of children between five and nine years old. The found that every demographic group expressed a desire for more female leads in sci-fi and superhero genres.

via GIPHY

The study was launched as part of BBC America’s “Galaxy of Women” initiative, which aims to highlight successful women across the network while also connecting fans with more powerful female characters.

The president of BBC America, Sarah Barnett, believes, “If you can’t see her, you can’t be her… With greater representation of female heroes in the sci-fi and superhero genre, we can help superpower the next generation of women.”

The study includes data on the gap between teenage boys and teenage girls. It says there is a 23 point gender gap between the two in regards to interest in STEM careers. The study also says statistically, teenage girls are less likely than teenage boys to describe themselves as confident, brave and heard.

Let’s change that!