YouTube has announced new measures to protect young users’ mental health. The platform will now limit teens’ exposure to certain fitness and health-related content.
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This decision comes as concerns grow about social media’s impact on youth self-esteem and body image.
For users aged 13 to 17, YouTube will restrict recommendations for videos that “idealise” specific body types or fitness levels, reports the BBC.
Teens can still search for and view fitness content, but the algorithm won’t suggest similar videos or display them in the sidebar.
YouTube’s Youth and Families Advisory Committee found that teens are more likely than adults to form negative self-beliefs from repeated exposure to idealised content online.
The restrictions will apply to videos comparing physical features, idealising certain body weights, or showing social aggression like intimidation.
However, these measures only work for users logged into accounts with accurate birth dates provided.
YouTube is also introducing features to help parents monitor their children’s platform activity. Parents can link accounts with teens in their household to view uploads, subscriptions, and comments, reports the BBC.
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Feature Image: Unsplash / Daria Nepriakhina
