YouTube Will Restrict Teenage Users From Videos About Weight And Fitness

YouTube announced it will stop recommending videos to teenage users that “idealize specific fitness levels, body weights, and physical features,” according to reports. This move comes after experts have warned that this type of content can be very harmful to developing young minds if they’re consumed consistently. 

While YouTube won’t be banning the videos completely, meaning 13 to 17-year-olds will still be able to view the videos, the platform will adjust its algorithm so that younger users aren’t repeatedly fed similar content. 

Embed from Getty Images

Typically on YouTube, whatever video you watch will adjust your personal feeds to recommend similar content to watch after your video is done. Additionally, one’s homepage will be filled with recommendations similar to the video. 

YouTube said since the content itself doesn’t breach any of their guidelines, they can’t outright ban it, but they’re very aware of how the wellbeing of younger users could be affected negatively by constantly consuming content reflecting unhealthy body standards and diet and exercise habits. 

According to the Guardian, YouTube’s global head of health, Dr Garth Graham, said: 

“As a teen is developing thoughts about who they are and their own standards for themselves, repeated consumption of content featuring idealized standards that starts to shape an unrealistic internal standard could lead some to form negative beliefs about themselves.”

Experts on YouTube’s youth and families advisory committee believe viewing videos within these categories once or twice isn’t that bad, however, repeatedly consuming it can lead to negative thoughts and potentially negative eating/exercise habits. 

Embed from Getty Images

Dan Milmo, a global technology editor for the Guardian, wrote that these new guidelines will be implemented around the world, and specifically applies to “content that idealizes some physical features over others, such as beauty routines to make your nose look slimmer; idealizes fitness or body weights, such as exercise routines that encourage pursuing a certain look; or encourages social aggression, such as physical intimidation.”

“A higher frequency of content that idealizes unhealthy standards or behaviors can emphasize potentially problematic messages – and those messages can impact how some teens see themselves,” said Allison Briscoe-Smith, a clinician and YouTube adviser. 

“‘Guardrails’ can help teens maintain healthy patterns as they naturally compare themselves to others and size up how they want to show up in the world.”

Sonia Livingstone, a professor of social psychology at the London School of Economics, said: “There is at least a recognition here that changing algorithms is a positive action that platforms like YouTube can take. This will be particularly beneficial for young people with vulnerabilities and mental health problems.”