30.01.2025.
Did you just watch your child refusing a meal because their favourite K-pop artist is ultra-thin? Or did you catch your 12-year-old mindlessly devouring a plate of pasta while glued to TikTok?
Many parents worry about their children spending too much time on phones and tablets, especially after the holidays.
But have you considered how screen time and social media might be shaping their eating habits and body image?
Studies show a clear link between social media use and a higher risk of eating disorders.
Research has found that for every extra hour spent on social media, the chances of developing an eating disorder increase. Cyberbullying is another major risk factor that can contribute to unhealthy eating behaviours.
Binge-watching or endlessly scrolling online may also lead to binge-eating.
One study found that
each additional hour of social media use raised the risk of binge eating disorder by 62% over the following year.
The power of social media
It floods young people with unrealistic body images, diet culture, and influencers promoting weight loss products. Many posts are edited or staged to create unattainable beauty standards.
Some online communities even normalize extreme dieting and disordered eating without users realizing the harm.
Adding to the problem, unhealthy eating trends and “cool” images that glorify surviving only on junk food are also shaping harmful behaviours.
These trends make it seem normal or even aspirational to eat unbalanced diets, further damaging young people’s relationships with food.
Even when posts aren’t directly pushing weight loss, constantly seeing only one body type in your feed can warp perceptions of what’s normal.
To make social media healthier, consider following accounts that promote body diversity and a range of interests beyond appearance, such as hobbies, travel, and personal achievements.
Being mindful of what you or your child sees on social media can make a real difference. If you notice unhealthy patterns or behaviours, don’t hesitate to seek help from a professional.
