Pretend I'm a 7-year-old boy who is watching his TV show and in the show, the only female character is portrayed as a damsel in distress. And let's say that after the show, I start thinking "Hey, all girls are weak!" That's the power of gender stereotypes in children's media - the power to influence a child's development. Since the beginning of this school year, Rifa has delved deep into the effects of gender stereotypes on the schemas of young children through her Capstone research class. As a fan herself of entertaining children's television shows, Rifa has recognized several problematic components within these shows, mainly gender misrepresentation. Children's shows, despite being oriented for younger audiences, can be enjoyed by all who appreciate creativity, but Rifa hopes to use her new understanding and research to bring light to the effects of gender stereotypes in children's shows on young children. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx