BODY image can be an issue for girls as young as three, according to University of Canberra psychologist Vivienne Lewis who has applauded the inclusion of a female Wiggle with a healthy body in the popular children's band.
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Dr Lewis raised concerns about the lack of positive female role models for young women and said when performers, such as Miley Cyrus, crossed over from being a positive to a negative influence, it was problematic for children as they weren't as able to distinguish between a performer's past and current persona. ''Miley is not a good role model for young girls, or for adults for that matter, because some of the things she gets up to aren't appropriate for young girls to be even aware of,'' she said.
She said the former child star, who has slimmed down from her Hannah Montana days, was not even promoting a healthy body image with her drug use and prominent bones.
''Adults have a better ability to filter things and can weigh up the pros and cons of things realistically, but young teenage girls cannot see her for the reality.''
Dr Lewis said a positive role model made a huge difference in a young woman's life. ''Kids need good role models. The male Wiggles are quite good role models as they are quite wholesome guys, and it's good to see a female influence as well. To add a female into the mix is a positive, particularly because she is in the healthy weight range, and that is particularly good for body image. She's not too thin and she's promoting a healthy body image.''
She said little girls were able to relate well to the male Wiggles but a female Wiggle gave them something to aspire to.
