Belgium raises alarm over #SkinnyTok, anorexia fears on TikTok
Belgium raised the alarm Wednesday about videos promoting extreme thinness on TikTok, warning that the platform was failing to protect teenage girls from significant danger.
The
Belgian government
has informed the European Commission, in charge of regulating the world's biggest digital platforms in the EU, of its concerns about TikTok and the promotion of unhealthy beauty standards.
"TikTok's algorithm, by trapping young people in a spiral of extreme content, poses a major threat to their mental and physical health," Digital Minister Vanessa Matz said.
Matz said the danger was more acute "as summer approaches, a sensitive period for self-esteem" where there is more pressure online to get a so-called "beach body".
In response, TikTok said it did not allow the display or promotion of dangerous behaviours related to eating habits and weight loss.
But Matz pointed to posts on TikTok under keywords such as "skinny" or "
Skinnytok
" that were still visible despite warning banners.
Usually featuring and targeting young women, the videos promote ways of losing weight and sometimes associate beauty with seeing the contours of the body's bones.
Critics say the videos encourage eating disorders.
In Belgium, 15 percent of women aged 10 to 64 have suspected eating disorders, according to the Sciensano public health institute, compared with 11 percent of men.
Matz has contacted Belgium's telecoms regulator -- which has the power to make a formal submission to the EU -- and Irish authorities, which act on behalf of the bloc.
Like other Big Tech firms, TikTok's European headquarters are in Ireland.
Belgium is not alone in its fears, with calls growing in other EU countries for more pressure against TikTok to comply with the EU's landmark content moderation rules known as the
Digital Services Act
(DSA).
France too raised the alarm this month over the trend to French authorities and the EU.
Brussels has been probing TikTok since February 2024 for alleged DSA violations regarding the protection of minors and concerns about children's mental well-being.
A TikTok spokesperson said the platform had "strict rules against body shaming and dangerous weight loss behaviours", adding that "To protect teen viewers, we age-restrict content with harmful body ideals".
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Time of India
5 side effects of walking too much and what to do about it
Walking has numerous health advantages and is a low-impact aerobic activity. Simple and no-equipment workout: walking can be one of the best ways to stay in shape. It's a fantastic method to control weight, elevate mood, and strengthen the heart. However, you can overdo it, just like with other activities. You may be wondering how much walking is too much if you now walk for exercise or intend to start. The response is contingent upon multiple circumstances. The following information will help you determine how much walking is too much for you. How many steps should you take each day? Even while 10,000 steps is an often mentioned goal, your daily step count will vary depending on your age, degree of fitness, and health objectives. Aiming for 8,000–10,000 steps a day is generally a decent baseline, although even fewer steps can have positive health effects. Long-distance walking has advantages that can make the effort worthwhile. Increasing your step count may help you live a longer life in addition to reducing your chances of type 2 diabetes and boosting heart health. Walking more steps per day was linked to a lower risk of death from all causes than walking fewer steps per day, according to a 2020 study of nearly 4,800 American people. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Forget Furosemide, Use This Household Item To Help Drain Edema Fluid WellnessGuide Learn more Undo How much walking is too much walking? 'Too much walking' is a relative concept. Your degree of fitness, experience, and general health all play a role. After a vigorous 30-minute walk, a novice hiker may feel pain, but an experienced hiker may go painlessly for hours. There's no one-size-fits-all solution, but it's important to pay attention to your body. Perhaps you follow the "hot girl walk" fad on TikTok, or perhaps you've embraced the urban hiking movement, which for some people is walking up to 10 to 15 kilometers per day. Walking, or any exercise for that matter, has no "maximal" limit. Side effects of walking too much Old pain flare up It's common for old ailments, such as a hurting knee, to recur. Increased risk of injury: Overtraining soreness can result in poor walking form and posture, which can raise the risk of injury. Additionally, compared to when they are properly rested, sore or wounded joints are more vulnerable to an unexpected, serious injury. Calluses and blisters Calluses and blisters may develop on or around your feet if you've been walking a lot lately. Although they are typical with new shoes, recurrent calluses or blisters may be a sign of poor gait or poorly fitting footwear. Recurring fatigue Your capacity to exercise is impacted by overtraining. Overtrainers become tired easily. You might have heavy breathing and find it difficult to talk in complete words, even at a reduced speed. At this point, you ought to pause and consult a medical professional to help direct your recuperation. Swelling in limbs Swelling and pain in feet indicate that a recent walk was either too long or too strenuous. You can experience a decline in your performance and heavy, tight muscles if you walk consistently for a longer duration. Mood swings While walking may be a mood booster, walking too much may generate anxiety. Psychological symptoms like depression and anger may arise if you keep walking too much or too intensely. How to maintain walking routine within a healthy limit Starting with no more than 15 minutes of walking at a moderate pace is an excellent technique for beginners. You'll know you're at the proper pace when you can talk in complete sentences without breathing significantly. Next, increase the amount of time you spend walking each week by a few minutes until you reach 30 minutes of vigorous walking. You should be breathing through your lips instead of your nose, but you should be able to speak in complete phrases. Try to walk at least three days a week to reap the full benefits of walking. You should exercise in other ways besides walking, such as strength training, flexibility training, and balancing exercises. With all its benefits, there are some potential disadvantages too One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Time of India
Arizona teen dies attempting ‘dusting' challenge; all about this ‘fatal' social media trend and its side effects
Social media trends go viral in a matter of time, and sometimes, they become fatal as well. In a heartbreaking incident, 19-year-old Renna O'Rourke from Tempe, Arizona, tragically passed away after participating in the dangerous social media trend known as the "dusting" or "chroming" challenge. While copying the trend, Renna O'Rourke went into cardiac arrest. She was immediately rushed to the hospital. She remained unconscious in the ICU for nearly a week before being declared brain-dead. Her cause of death was attributed to sudden sniffing death syndrome (SSDS). What is the 'dusting' challenge? The 'dusting' challenge involves inhaling compressed air from keyboard cleaning sprays to achieve a brief high, often while being filmed for online content. This challenge gained popularity on platforms like TikTok, where users film themselves inhaling aerosol propellants from products like keyboard cleaning sprays. The appeal lies in the rapid onset of euphoria and the allure of gaining views and attention online. However, this fleeting high comes with severe health risks. The most immediate danger is sudden sniffing death syndrome, where the heart stops beating shortly after inhalation due to irregular heart rhythms, which is what happened in the case of Renna. Renna's death highlights the lethal risks associated with such viral trends, which served as some 'bait' for the sensationalization of 'claim to fame'. What are the potential side effects of the 'dusting' challenge? The 'dusting' challenge, which involves inhaling compressed air from keyboard cleaning sprays to achieve a brief high, poses significant health risks. This practice can lead to both immediate and long-term adverse effects on the body and mind. Immediate health risks: Inhalant abuse, including the "dusting" challenge, poses significant health risks, even on first use. The chemicals in these products can cause dizziness, nausea, slurred speech, and loss of coordination. In the short term, inhaling the chemicals in air dusters can cause: Euphoria: A temporary feeling of intense pleasure or high. Dizziness and lightheadedness: Feelings of disorientation or imbalance. Impaired coordination: Difficulty with motor skills and balance. Slurred speech: Difficulty articulating words clearly. Nausea and vomiting: Stomach discomfort leading to vomiting. Headaches: Pain or discomfort in the head. Although these effects are typically short-lived, they can be intense and compelling, leading individuals to repeat the behavior. Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome (SSDS): One of the most alarming risks associated with the 'dusting' challenge is Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome (SSDS). This condition can occur after a single use of inhalants, leading to: Cardiac arrest: The heart stops beating due to irregular rhythms. Respiratory failure: The inability to breathe properly, leading to oxygen deprivation. The chemicals in air dusters can displace oxygen in the lungs and body, leading to organ failure and death. Even a brief exposure can be fatal. Long-term health consequences: Prolonged or repeated inhalation can lead to more severe consequences, such as liver and kidney damage, brain damage, hearing loss, and certain types of cancer. Chronic abuse of air dusters can lead to: Brain damage: Permanent damage to brain cells, resulting in memory loss, learning difficulties, and cognitive impairments. Nervous system damage: Damage to the peripheral nervous system, leading to numbness, tingling, and weakness in the extremities. Liver and kidney damage: Impairment of liver and kidney function, potentially leading to organ failure. Cardiovascular problems: Increased risk of heart arrhythmias, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death. Addiction and dependence: Psychological and physical dependence on the substance, leading to compulsive use and withdrawal symptoms. These long-term effects can have lasting impacts on an individual's health and quality of life. Psychological and behavioral effects: The abuse of air dusters can also lead to: Cognitive impairment: Difficulty with concentration, attention, and decision-making. Mental health disorders: Increased risk of depression, anxiety, and psychosis. Behavioral changes: Changes in personality, mood swings, and social withdrawal. Addiction: Cravings and compulsive use, leading to a cycle of abuse and dependence. These psychological effects can interfere with daily life, affecting relationships, work, and overall well-being. Mandira Bedi mystifies fans with #10YearChallenge photos One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Time of India
What is 'dusting' challenge? 19-year-old US teen dies after inhaling keyboard cleaner in viral TikTok trend
In a shocking incident, a 19-year-old girl from Arizona died after attempting a viral, life-threatening trend called the 'dusting' challenge on TikTok to get famous. According to AZ Family, her parents revealed that she was taking part in the viral 'dusting' challenge, which is also called 'chroming.' The teen has been identified as Renna, whose parents further told AZ, the local broadcast television network, that she went into cardiac arrest soon after inhaling the toxic fumes. Following this, she was immediately rushed to the hospital and remained unconscious for nearly a week before being declared brain dead. The teen participated in the trend to get famous The teen's father, Aaron O'Rourke, shared her desire to be famous. He said she always used to say that he would be a famous dad, 'Just you watch.' Unfortunately, this is not under the most optimal of circumstances," he added. Her mother, Dana, pointed out how dangerous this trend is and how easily accessible the substance is. She said, to get the substance, there is no ID proof is required, as well as it is odourless. "It's everything kids look for. They can afford it, they can get it, and it doesn't show in Mum and Dad's drug test," she added. Both the parents of the deceased are now engaged in the work to raise awareness about the lethal trend that has already claimed many young lives. What is 'dusting' or chroming? The latest TikTok trend, currently going viral on the social media platform, is called 'dusting' or 'chroming.' This is a risky recreational activity that involves inhaling hazardous household chemicals and substances like nail polish remover, hairspray, aerosol deodorant, lighter fluid, gasoline, paint thinners, spray paint, and permanent markers, as per Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne. According to the American Addiction Centres, this form of drug use leads to a brief euphoric effect, but it is a dangerous activity that can even lead to adverse effects, including dizziness, vomiting, cardiac arrest, and brain damage. There's a lot of things that no one should ever have to do, and today I have to do one of them. Say goodbye to my... Past cases of deaths linked to the 'dusting' trend on TikTok This is not the first case of death; earlier to this, in 2024, an 11-year-old UK boy, Tommie-Lee Gracie Billington, died while attempting the 'chroming' challenge at a friend's house. A 2017 study titled "Understanding Adolescent Inhalant Use" found that over 684,000 teenagers engaged in the harmful habit of sniffing or huffing chemicals, even though the online trend is a new fad in and of itself. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.
