News

Disney princesses don’t impact kids’ body image, experts say

Published

2 years ago

September 9, 2023

According to research, Disney princesses can play a beneficial role in nurturing children’s self-image.

Parents have long grappled with the portrayal of unrealistic body standards in movies, television, and the toy industry, worrying about the impact on their children’s mental health. With Disney princesses often in the spotlight, concerns have centered around their influence on kids’ body esteem.

To shed light on the matter, researchers at UC Davis conducted a study involving 340 children and their caregivers, spanning from 2020 to 2021. The study tracked children from the age of 3 and revisited them one year later to assess any noticeable changes in body esteem.

Body esteem was gauged by caregivers’ assessments of how much their children liked or felt good about their own bodies. Disney princesses were categorized into three body types: thin, average, and above average/heavy, with characters like Jasmine representing thin, and Moana as the example of an average-sized princess.

Body size

The study revealed that the most beloved princesses among the children were Elsa, Moana, and Anna, with each princess’s body size affecting how the young fans felt about their own bodies. Notably, kids who adored princesses classified as having average body sizes, such as Moana, displayed higher body esteem levels.

The researchers attributed these effects to the frequency with which children engage in pretend play as princesses. Intriguingly, they also discovered that kids who favored average-sized princesses tended to be more physically active. Researchers speculated that this might be linked to the more active storylines associated with average-sized princesses in their films.

In contrast, children with favorite princesses characterized as thin did not report significant positive or negative changes in their body image. However, the overall impact of Disney princesses leaned toward a net benefit, as playing with average-sized princesses boosted children’s confidence in their own bodies. This research provides valuable insights into the role of media in shaping children’s perceptions of body image and self-esteem.*

News

Dollar steady as markets await Fed’s rate decision

Dollar steady ahead of Fed’s expected rate cut decision on Wednesday

Published

15 hours ago

September 15, 2025

Ahron Young

Dollar steady ahead of Fed’s expected rate cut decision on Wednesday

In Short:
– The U.S. dollar stayed stable as investors await the Federal Reserve’s interest rate cut announcement.
– Asian equities rose, with the MSCI Asia Pacific Index hitting a record high amid U.S. market gains.

The U.S. dollar remained stable on Monday as investors await the Federal Reserve’s upcoming policy meeting, where the central bank is expected to announce its first interest rate cut in nine months.

Trading volumes were low due to a holiday in Japan, causing currencies to remain rangebound.

Market participants have largely priced in a 25 basis point reduction in the federal funds rate, anticipated to bring the key rate to between 4.00%-4.25%.

This marks the first easing action since December 2024.

Recent economic data indicates a cooling labour market, with jobless claims rising to the highest levels since 2021, overshadowing inflation concerns.

Market Movements

Asian equities experienced gains, continuing a global rally, with the MSCI Asia Pacific Index reaching a record high.

Chinese shares rose close to 1% despite disappointing factory and retail sales data.

This momentum follows historical closes in U.S. markets, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average surpassing 46,000.

News

ANZ to pay $160 million for bond deal violations

ANZ to pay A$240 million for bond misconduct and customer violations amidst job cuts and regulatory scrutiny

Published

15 hours ago

September 15, 2025

Ahron Young

ANZ to pay A$240 million for bond misconduct and customer violations amidst job cuts and regulatory scrutiny

In Short:
– ANZ Group will pay A$240 million in penalties for multiple violations, including fees to deceased customers.
– The bank plans to implement A$150 million in reforms and has announced 3,500 job cuts.

Australia’s ANZ Group will pay A$240 million in penalties, the largest ever imposed by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) against a single entity.

The penalties arise from multiple violations, including acting “unconscionably” during a government bond deal and continuing to charge fees to deceased customers.

The development comes alongside ANZ’s announcement of 3,500 job cuts as new CEO Nuno Matos seeks to enhance profitability.

ANZ has admitted to the allegations and acknowledged the need for significant operational changes.

The bank’s trading practices during an A$14 billion government bond issuance negatively impacted bond prices, which led to a substantial loss for the government.

ANZ plans to submit a remediation strategy to the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority by the end of the month.

Company Changes

ANZ has stated it will spend A$150 million on reforms by the end of the financial year.

The Finance Sector Union is expected to file a claim regarding the recent job cuts made by the bank.

News

Climate report warns of rising heat deaths and property losses

Australia faces dire climate predictions, with potential for massive property value losses and thousands of heat-related deaths without action

Published

22 hours ago

September 15, 2025

Ahron Young

Australia faces dire climate predictions, with potential for massive property value losses and thousands of heat-related deaths without action

In Short:
– Climate change could cause hundreds of deaths and $500 billion decline in property values in Australia.
– Increased extreme weather events may lead to rising insurance costs and potential uninsurability of homes.

A government report warns that climate change could lead to significant challenges for Australia, with hundreds of deaths expected from heat-related illnesses.

Property values may decline by up to $500 billion as homes risk becoming uninsurable due to extreme weather events.

The assessment by the Albanese Government forecasts increased frequency of floods, cyclones, and bushfires.The report anticipates over a thousand potential heat-related fatalities in Sydney and Melbourne if action is not taken.

The projected increase in heat-related deaths in Australia’s capital cities, as outlined in the report. Picture: Climate Risk Assessment

Rising sea levels and extreme weather are expected to escalate insurance costs, making coverage unaffordable or unavailable.

Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen acknowledged that many Australians will find these projections distressing, but they underscore the urgency of addressing climate change.

Changes in total annual freight costs by Local Government Area in a 2090 scenario, compared to 2024. Picture: Australia’s National Climate Risk Assessment

Property Risks

Projected increases in heat-related deaths are particularly concerning. For instance, at a 1.5-degree rise in temperatures, heat-related mortality in Sydney could increase by 103%, reaching about 450 deaths annually at a 3-degree rise.

Coastal flooding days are expected to increase significantly in major urban areas, necessitating critical intervention.