Source · Select Committees · Women and Equalities Committee
Recommendation 15
15
Paragraph: 115
We were pleased to hear that the Government recognises the impact social media can have...
Recommendation
We were pleased to hear that the Government recognises the impact social media can have on body image and that it is encouraging social media companies to take more responsibility for the content on their platforms. We are also pleased that social media companies are committed to working with the Government to do more research into the relationship between social media use and body image. We recommend that the Government works closely with social media companies and academics to ensure that research on social media use and body image are up-to-date, evidence-based, and sufficiently funded.
Paragraph Reference:
115
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
We know that more needs to be done to understand the link between online harmful content and eating disorders. DHSC through the NIHR has funded a systematic review to explore the relationship between social networking sites and other online content and body image and disordered eating in children and young people. The systematic review is being led by the Evidence for Policy and Practice Information and Co-ordinating Centres (EPPI-Centre). We will report on findings in due course. DHSC is also working with DCMS on the online harms legislation to fully consider pro-eating disorder content online. As set out, the Government’s Online Advertising Programme will be focused on addressing harms caused within the content and/or placement of advertising online. This will consider the role of online platforms.