10-Year-Old Teddy Petitions Apple To Redesign Stereotypical Emoji Making Him Feel “Sad And Upset”

Meet Teddy, a determined 10-year-old from the UK on a mission! Leading a heartfelt petition, he urges Apple to give the 'nerd emoji' a thoughtful makeover, aiming to challenge stereotypes and promote positive representation for glasses wearers worldwide.

Saihaj Kaur Madan

Updated on: 30 November 2023 8:55 pm

10-Year-Old Teddy Petitions Apple To Redesign Stereotypical Emoji

Teddy, a 10-year-old Apple fan from the UK initiates a petition urging Apple to revamp the "nerd face" glasses emoji. Teddy firmly believes that the pronounced front teeth on the emoji contribute to a negative stereotype, deeming it "absolutely horrible for people wearing glasses."

“They’re making people think we’re nerds and it’s absolutely horrible,” Teddy said to the BBC about the glasses emoji. “It’s making me feel sad and upset, and if I find it offensive there’ll be thousands of people around the world that find it offensive too.”

Teddy's Design For An Alternate Emoji, The 'Genius Emoji'! Courtesy: BBC

Taking matters into his own hands, Teddy has designed an alternative emoji, which he aptly calls the "genius emoji." This design depicts a smiling emoji sporting glasses, eliminating the "unpleasant rabbit teeth."

“I like wearing glasses because they make me see a lot better, and they look good and stylish,” Teddy expressed.

Teddy was encouraged and supported in this pursuit by one of his teachers, Lisa. “He’s quite vocal about it but in quite a grown-up way, and I think that should be supported, encouraged, and commended as well,” Lisa said. Her acknowledgment of Teddy's initiative emphasizes the educational and empowering dimensions of such endeavors, nurturing a sense of responsibility and advocacy among young minds.

Currently, Teddy's petition is confined to circulation within his school and town. He intends to email it to Apple and initiate an online launch in the near future. Despite media coverage, Apple has not responded to Teddy's petition at this point.

Teddy expresses that the prospect of Apple heeding his advice would make him feel "so excited". The anticipation of his suggestions being acknowledged by such a prominent company makes him "feel amazing", highlighting his eagerness for positive recognition from Apple.

In this age where technology and communication are seamlessly intertwined, Teddy's story highlights the impact even seemingly small design elements, like emojis, can have on individuals. It also underscores the importance of embracing diverse perspectives, even those from young advocates like Teddy, in shaping the digital landscape we navigate daily.