It is normal for children and young people to use online spaces to discuss a range of interests, including beauty, fitness, and health. However, there are instances where this content can be harmful.
Particularly when something encourages or glamorises disordered eating, unhealthy exercise regimes, or dangerous body modification and beauty practices.
Examples of Harmful Content
- Pro-anorexia or pro-bulimia content – known as “pro-ana” and “pro-mia”.
- Encouraging dangerous beauty tricks (e.g., using undiluted bleach to whiten teeth and using lemon juice to change eye colour).
- Dangerous makeup tips (e.g., using a permanent marker as eyeliner or nail polish on cold sores).
Why is This Content Harmful?
This content can be harmful to those who may be vulnerable to or are currently living with an eating disorder or mental health issue. This content can encourage unhealthy habits which a child or young person might not have engaged with before.
In some cases, influencers promote products that profit from exploiting low self-esteem and body image issues.
Peer Support
While it’s normal and in some instances helpful for young people to engage with peer support during challenging times, it can be counterproductive. There is no way to verify the quality or reliability of the information provided on social media.
The Importance of Appropriate Supports
- There are real benefits in peer support in relation to sharing coping skills when struggling with disordered eating, mental health, and body image issues.
- These interactions may create a feeling of solidarity and validation, but it could be triggering for a young person, especially when they compare their progress or emotional state to others.
- In some cases, young people may also share tricks or advice on how to hide or fast track progress.
- Young people may feel vulnerable and exposed after sharing intensely personal feelings and thoughts. They may also be left unsupported if they do not receive positive feedback or assistance, which could discourage them from seeking help.
- They may also develop unhealthy habits of ruminating on complicated feelings or experiences, which may be counterproductive in their attempts to cope and seek support.
- It is essential to recognise that there is no way to establish the quality of information or advice they receive.
You should make sure young people know about moderated peer support forums like the Childline website, where they can interact with their peers safely. Childline will contact a young person if they are particularly vulnerable or in need of immediate medical attention. They will also make sure the quality of the information is beneficial to children and likely to make things better.
Practical Tips
- Young people should be encouraged to verify claims of health or fitness recommendations by using trusted sources (e.g., the NHS website).
- If a young person is living with an eating disorder or struggling with their body image and self-esteem, they should avoid using social media as their only form of support.
- Check that the children in your care know how to block and report harmful content on the platforms they use – check out Our Safety Centre for more.
- Review the influencer section in your Safer Schools App to learn more about how influencers can market items to children and young people.