YouTube still recommending eating disorder videos to teens, research finds
In a study conducted by the Centre for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), a simulated account of a 13-year-old girl revealed that in 2026, 10% of videos suggested by YouTube's Up Next algorithm contained harmful eating disorder material, a notable improvement from 25% in 2024. Following this, Google removed the identified videos, reaffirming its dedication to safety. This research comes after Ofcom criticized YouTube and TikTok for inadequate protections for young users. The UK's Online Safety Act, set to take effect in July 2025, mandates that platforms safeguard under-18s from harmful content, with penalties reaching 10% of global revenue for violations. Jazmin Kaur, 22, from Leicester, recounted her struggles with anorexia linked to harmful online material. Alexandra Johnson from CCDH acknowledged the positive effects of regulation but emphasized that even one harmful video is unacceptable. YouTube has introduced expert-curated videos for teenagers searching sensitive topics. Beat CEO Victoria Longley highlighted that 90% of individuals supported by the charity encounter harmful online content. Additionally, the UK government intends to prohibit under-16s from accessing major platforms by spring 2027.
Key facts
- CCDH set up a simulated 13-year-old girl's account to test YouTube's algorithm.
- One in 10 recommended videos in 2026 were harmful eating disorder content, down from one in four in 2024.
- Google removed the videos flagged in the CCDH report.
- Ofcom said YouTube and TikTok are not doing enough to keep young people safe.
- The Online Safety Act came into force in July 2025, requiring platforms to protect under-18s.
- Non-compliant companies can be fined up to 10% of global revenues.
- Jazmin Kaur, 22, from Leicester, was diagnosed with anorexia at 13 and spent six years in NHS treatment.
- Alexandra Johnson of CCDH said regulation has an impact but one harmful video is too many.
- YouTube launched curated videos from experts for teen searches on depression or eating disorders.
- Beat CEO Victoria Longley said 90% of people the charity supports encounter harmful content online.
- UK government plans to ban under-16s from major platforms by spring 2027.
Entities
Institutions
- Centre for Countering Digital Hate
- YouTube
- Ofcom
- TikTok
- Beat
- NHS
- Mind
- The Mix
- BBC
Locations
- Leicester
- United Kingdom
- US
- EU