Should YOU buy your child a Barbie? As Greta Gerwig's new movie hits cinemas, studies reveal how dolls can improve empathy - but can also increase the risk of eating disorders

Greta Gerwig's hotly-anticipated Barbie movie has finally hit the big screen – and is set to supercharge the cinema industry left decimated by Covid. 'Barbie' – which is competing with Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer for box office success – stars Australian actress Margot Robbie as the titular character and Ryan Gosling as her boyfriend Ken. Robbie pays tribute to the original doll created by US inventor Ruth Handler, who saw a gap in the market after noticing not many children's dolls resembled adults. Whether Barbie has a positive influence on the kids who play with her has been one of the most contentious issues in the industry since she first hit shelves in 1959. Here, MailOnline looks at the long-lasting effects a Barbie doll can have on a child's development, according to scientific studies.