YouTube strengthens community guidelines to protect teenagers from body image and negative fitness regime videos

livemint.com:

YouTube elaborated on the specific types of content that will no longer be shown to teen users in its video suggestions. These include videos that promote comparisons between physical traits, glorify specific body types or fitness standards, and content that promotes social aggression, such as bullying or intimidation.

This global update is set to affect teenage users across all regions, with YouTube aiming to foster a healthier online environment.The advisory committee provided valuable perspectives regarding how the platform affects teenagers, particularly during their formative years. YouTube explained that while watching a single video in these categories may not be inherently harmful, frequent exposure to such content through recommendations could adversely influence a teen's self-esteem.

As a result, the platform is revising its Community Guidelines to further ensure that minors are shielded from harmful content that violates these rules.In addition to these changes, YouTube is expanding its support services by launching crisis resource panels in several European countries. These panels will provide critical support by connecting users dealing with issues related to suicide and self-harm with external crisis hotlines.