Dove's Self-Esteem Project Takes On Social Media & Mental Health

The Dove Self-Esteem Project says it aims to stand up for #KidsOnlineSafety because 8 in 10 youth mental health specialists say social media is fueling a mental health crisis, according to the brand's research. 

Dove has recruited Lizzo to join its Campaign for Kids Online Safety, and help make social media a more positive place. The Dove Self-Esteem Project is also joining forces with Common Sense Media and ParentsTogether Action. Together, they will advocate to advance the 2023 Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA).

KOSA supports updated design standards, safeguards and tools that protect kids' overall experiences online, and would limit their exposure to toxic beauty content proven to erode their self-esteem. 

Alessandro Manfredi, chief marketing officer for Dove, says, "While certain aspects of social media can promote creativity and connection for young people, data has shown toxic content online is harming the mental health of today's youth. If there isn't real change, young people will continue to pay with their wellbeing."

Manfredi continues, "We have a responsibility to act and support a safer environment on social media, helping protect young people's mental health. This means going beyond individual interventions to drive systemic change."

More About the KOSA Bill

The KOSA bill outlines more transparency on social media design and black box algorithms, including:

• Disabling addictive product features and opt-out of algorithmic recommendations;
• Creating a duty for social media platforms to prevent and mitigate harms to minors, such as content promoting of self-harm, suicide, eating disorders, substance abuse, and sexual exploitation;
• Requiring social media platforms to perform an annual independent audit assessing risks to minors;
• Providing experts access to critical data to foster research regarding harms to the safety and well-being of minors.

"Over the past decade, we have witnessed a youth mental health crisis —skyrocketing suicide rates, hospitalizations for self-harm, and depression among children and teens,"

Jim Steyer, CEO of Common Sense Media says, "Over the past decade, we have witnessed a youth mental health crisis —skyrocketing suicide rates, hospitalizations for self-harm, and depression among children and teens. Real change requires partnership, advocacy, and a commitment to do the work on the ground."  

The Dove Self-Esteem Project convened voices of authority in ethical tech and youth mental health for a live event in Los Angeles on Tuesday, April 11, 'A Call for Kids' Online Safety: A Forum for Change,' centering youth and parents to share their stories.

Sharers were supported by influential voices, including Cultural Icon & People's Advocate, Lizzo, CEO of Common Sense Media, Jim Steyer, Digital Media Expert, Dr. Safiya U. Noble, and Stanford Psychiatrist & Social Design Expert Dr. Nina Vasan. A recording of the live event streamed on Dove US YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok channels is now available to view on Dove.com.

"Social media is supposed to be a place where people can express themselves and be a source for beauty confidence, not anxiety, that's why I'm partnering with Dove again and calling on platforms to do more to make social media safe for young people," says Lizzo. "Join us and use your voice to help make change."

A New Campaign Film

As part of the Campaign for Kids' Online Safety, Dove is releasing a new campaign film, "Cost of Beauty: A Dove Film," chronicling the real story of a young person whose mental health has been impacted by social media.

The film, intended to illustrate the scale and impact of the issue and drive urgent action to protect the next generation, was developed in consultation with mental health and disordered eating experts at National Alliance for Eating Disorders and Project HEAL.

Watch it below.