YouTube will limit access to videos that promote and idealize a specific level of fitness or physical appearance for teenagers. Initially implemented in the US last year, this preventive measure is now being extended globally to protect teens around the world.
Responding to Criticism
This announcement comes amid ongoing criticism of YouTube for potentially harming teenagers by providing access to content that could contribute to eating disorders. Over the past few years, concerns have risen regarding the platform’s role in shaping negative body images among young users. YouTube is taking these steps to address such issues and ensure that the content available to teens is safer and less likely to cause harm.
Types of Restricted Content
The restricted content includes videos that compare physical characteristics and idealize certain fitness levels, body types, and weights. Additionally, YouTube will limit access to videos displaying “social aggression,” such as non-contact fights and bullying. These actions are part of a broader effort to protect young users from content that could negatively influence their mental well-being, notes NIX Solutions.
YouTube emphasizes that while a single video may not be harmful on its own, repeated exposure to such content can pose significant risks. To address this, YouTube will also reduce re-recommendations of videos related to these topics to teenagers. This way, even if the videos meet general guidelines, they won’t continuously appear in teens’ recommendations.
Safeguarding Teenagers’ Mental Health
The platform’s guidelines are informed by user behavior, and YouTube recognizes the need to implement safeguards to prevent teens from repeatedly encountering harmful content. As Dr. Garth Graham, YouTube’s head of health, explained, “Teenagers are developing ideas about who they are and their own standards for themselves. Constant consumption of idealized content can lead some to form negative beliefs about themselves.”
This initiative marks YouTube’s commitment to creating a safer online environment for teenagers. We’ll keep you updated as these changes roll out globally.