Rising Eating Disorders in Teens Linked to Social Media

The cause behind the doubling of the number of teens seeking help for eating disorders in the last three years may be social media. According to a charity the number of children and teenagers seeking help for an eating disorder has risen by 110 per cent in the past three years, and this dramatic increase could be attributed to several factors, including the increased pressure caused by social media, the growth of celebrity culture, and the rise of anorexia websites, the Independent reported.

The charity suggested that the problem is most prevalent among girls of secondary school age, as they are more concerned about their body image and looks.

Sue Minto, head of ChildLine, said 24/7 nature of social media places huge pressures on children and young people which in turn can lead to significant emotional issues.

Source-ANI