YouTube is taking steps to limit recommendations of certain health and fitness videos for teenagers, especially those that idealize specific body types. This move aims to prevent teens, aged 13 to 17, from being repeatedly exposed to content that may promote unhealthy beliefs about body image. While teens can still search for fitness-related videos, YouTube’s algorithm will no longer push similar videos after one is watched.
YouTube’s decision follows concerns that repeated exposure to idealized body types can negatively impact young people’s self-image. Experts support this change. They emphasize the need for a wider conversation about fitness, health, and body image among teens and their families.
YouTube will no longer recommend videos that compare physical features, promote specific body types, or show non-contact fights to teenagers. The platform made this change after its Youth and Families Advisory Committee highlighted that teens are more vulnerable to forming negative self-perceptions when repeatedly exposed to idealized content.
However, these restrictions will only apply if users are logged into YouTube and have registered their accurate age. YouTube has no way of verifying the age users claim when creating accounts.
Dr. Petya Eckler, an expert on body image and social media, welcomed the change. She stressed that it should be part of a larger discussion on fitness and health. YouTube also introduced new tools for parents to monitor their children’s activity on the platform.
In May, Ofcom urged tech firms to reform their algorithms to protect children from harmful content.
