Disney UK joins forces with Little Inventors

Invention ideas that could help change the world is part of Dream Big, Princess campaign.

Disney UK has commissioned new research as part of its Dream Big, Princess campaign into the issues which children are most concerned about in 2019.

In addition, it has also joined forces with Little Inventors to encourage kids to channel their creativity and imaginations to come up with invention ideas that could help change the world.

The research reveals that ‘being kind to others’, ‘people not having enough to eat’ and ‘protecting animals and their habitats’, are among the top ten issues that UK children are most concerned about in 2019.

The poll of over 1,000 4-14 year old girls and boys asked children to identify the issues that they most want to fix or improve in the world. It also found that children are becoming more socially conscious with 64% feeling that they have the power to make the world around them a better place.

Almost half (48%) of all children polled also said they were prepared to stand up for the things they believe in, with 23% having already campaigned about things they care about at school. 9% of children have even written to the Prime Minister or their local MP to ask that they look into an issue they are worried about.

Understanding that these issues are front of mind for a generation of socially conscious children, Disney has partnered with invention experts, Little Inventors, to inspire them to share ideas that could help change the world.

Harnessing the qualities of the Disney Princess characters – from Ariel’s curiosity to Merida’s bravery – children are being encouraged to use their incredible imaginations to come up with invention ideas with no limits. These can then be shared at www.littleinventors.org/disneyprincess.

The girl or boy behind the best invention submitted will receive a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork of themselves brought to life by Walt Disney Animation Studios legendary animator, Mark Henn, who animated Ariel, Jasmine, Tiana, Mulan and Belle.

“Disney Princesses have inspired generations of children to dream big and believe in themselves,” said Marianthi O’Dwyer, vp franchise at The Walt Disney Company. “From the free-spirited and determined Jasmine, to the adventurous Rapunzel, the Princess stories show time and time again how incredibly resilient they are, overcoming obstacles with courage and changing their world in their own special way.

“We believe it’s important to inspire young people to have the courage to right wrongs and use their wonderful imaginations to make the world a better place and we hope to see as many children as possible get inventing and take part in this inspiring Little Inventors campaign.”

Katherine Mengardon, chief educator and head of operations at Little Inventors, added: “Children need to know that what they think and what they do can have the power to make a difference. It is these sparks of light that unlock potential, that sharpen determination and build confidence.

“It’s great to see Disney using the power of its Princesses to nurture, encourage and celebrate creativity and inventiveness in this way. Children have such a wonderful way of seeing the world without the constraints that creep in with age and experience and I can’t wait to see what incredible ideas they will come up with as part of this challenge.”