YouTube announced on Thursday that it will impose restrictions on how often teenagers receive repeated video recommendations related to sensitive topics like body image. This move is a result of YouTube’s partnership with the Youth and Families Advisory Committee, which is composed of psychologists, researchers, and experts in child development, children’s media, and digital learning. The committee has been advising YouTube on the potential harmful effects of repeated exposure to certain content on teenagers’ mental health.
Repeated exposure to content that idealizes unhealthy standards or behaviors can have a negative impact on teenagers’ self-perception, according to Allison Briscoe-Smith, a clinician, researcher, and member of the advisory committee. She explains that guardrails can help teenagers maintain healthy patterns as they compare themselves to others and determine how they want to present themselves to the world.
YouTube collaborated with the advisory committee to identify categories of videos that could be potentially problematic if viewed repeatedly. Consequently, teenage viewers will no longer receive repeated recommendations for videos that compare physical features and idealize certain types, promote specific fitness levels or body weights, or display social aggression in the form of non-contact fights and intimidation.
In addition to these restrictions, YouTube also announced other updates aimed at promoting the well-being of teenagers. These include more frequent and noticeable “take a break” and bedtime reminders to help manage screen time. YouTube has also expanded its crisis resource panel, providing live support from crisis service partners to users searching for topics like “eating disorders.” The panels now feature more visually prominent resources for third-party crisis hotlines. Furthermore, YouTube aims to redirect search queries related to sensitive topics with suggestions for topics like “self-compassion” or “grounding exercises” instead.
Recognizing the importance of parental guidance and support, YouTube is working with organizations like the World Health Organization and Common Sense Networks to develop educational resources for parents and teenagers. These resources will provide guidance on creating videos online safely and with empathy, as well as how to respond to comments and more.
Notably, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is not the only social network facing legal challenges in relation to teenagers’ well-being. In June, a Maryland school district sued Meta, along with Google, Snap, and TikTok owner ByteDance, alleging that these platforms contributed to a “mental health crisis” among students. The lawsuit claims that these companies prioritized growth over the impact of their products on children’s mental and physical health.
Starting from November 2nd, YouTube will begin limiting repeated video recommendations to teenagers in the United States. The company plans to expand these restrictions to other countries by 2024.
In conclusion, YouTube’s decision to impose restrictions on repeated video recommendations for teenagers regarding sensitive topics like body image is a result of its collaboration with the Youth and Families Advisory Committee. These measures aim to protect teenagers’ mental health and encourage healthy patterns of self-perception. YouTube is also introducing other updates, such as bedtime reminders and crisis resource panels, in order to promote a safer and more responsible online environment for teenagers. Through partnerships with organizations like the World Health Organization, YouTube is also developing educational resources for parents and teenagers to ensure the responsible use of the platform.