New research suggests that YouTube is still showing harmful eating disorder and body image content to teenage users, even after new rules were introduced to improve online safety.
The Centre for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) created a test account pretending to be a 13 year old girl. Researchers used the account to watch unsafe diet and body image videos for the first time.
The study found that around one in 10 videos suggested by YouTube’s Up Next recommendation system included harmful themes. These videos promoted extreme dieting, unrealistic body standards, thinspiration content, or unhealthy calorie restriction.
However, researchers said the situation has improved compared with previous years. The amount of harmful content recommended to young users has decreased, but concerns remain about the platform’s ability to fully protect teenagers.
YouTube Removes Videos Highlighted in Research
Google, YouTube’s parent company, said it remains committed to reducing harmful content on its platform. The company stated that the videos identified in the research had been removed.
The findings appeared after the UK communications regulator Ofcom warned that major social media platforms, including YouTube and TikTok, need stronger safety measures to protect young users.
Under the UK Online Safety Act, which introduced new protections in July 2025, online platforms must take stronger action against content that encourages suicide, self harm, or eating disorders.
The law also requires companies to examine how their recommendation systems can expose children to harmful material. Platforms that fail to meet these responsibilities could face fines of up to 10% of their global revenue.
Teenagers Report Negative Effects of Harmful Online Content
Jazmin Kaur, from Leicester, shared her experience of how online content affected her during her teenage years. She was diagnosed with anorexia at the age of 13 and received treatment through the NHS for six years.
She said her interest in fitness started in a simple way, as she wanted to become healthier. However, she began relying on social media without understanding whether the information was accurate.
Jazmin explained that some online content helped her, but much of it increased her struggles with body image and eating habits.
She said that after leaving hospital, she often spent a lot of time on her phone, where she continued seeing content that negatively affected her recovery.
Experts Warn About Social Media and Teen Mental Health
Eating disorders develop because of many complex factors, and online content is only one possible influence. However, experts say repeated exposure to harmful videos can affect how young people view their bodies and health.
Researchers believe platforms need to improve recommendation systems so teenagers are less likely to receive harmful content automatically.
The latest findings highlight the ongoing challenge of balancing online freedom with protecting young users from dangerous material.
