Students question hypersexualized toys during town hall

Many parents are still scrambling to get their little girl the perfect gift for Christmas. But what happens when that doll they ask for looks more naughty than nice?

Students at the KIPP Aspire Academy and Girls Inc. tackled that question Tuesday evening in a town hall on hypersexualized toys.

"They're here to present what they've researched in order to generate that first step of community change which is generating awareness," said Rhonda Williamson, Girls Inc. CEO.

The presentations revolved around studies about the negative affects toys such as scantily clad dolls have on young girls.

"It's gotten more complicated than it was 20 years ago. It's not just body image now it's hypersexualization." said child psychologist Dr. Karen Bierman.

"This was something they were passionate about. They took the reins, they did the research, they came up with some really compelling arguments. They moved it forward," Williamson said.

Following the presentation, Bierman and others sat on a panel to discuss how parents can make sure their daughters self-image does not get affected by clever marketing over the holidays.

"How to protect their children, protect their daughters from falling victim into thinking all that matters is how they look," Bierman said. Reinforcing their education, having hobbies, sports and activities, friends and making them feel valuable as girls."

"It's really important for girls to understand that they have a voice, that they have power and that they can impact issues that they feel are important to them," Williamson said.

The Girls Inc. website states it is the oldest girl centered organization in the country and works to inspire all girls to be smart, strong and bold.