The move is part of a “regular review” of TikTok‘s safety measures “to address evolving risks,” he said. Searching for the hashtag now leads to a link to mental health support.
France’s Digital Minister Clara Chappaz on Sunday celebrated what she described as a “collective victory” after nearly two months of lobbying that included support for a public petition and a meeting between Chappaz and TikTok officials in Dublin in early May.
Stating that “the fight to protect our children online doesn’t stop there,” Chappaz said: “I won’t give up. Banning social media before 15 is my priority.”
The protection of kids online is fast becoming a hot topic in Brussels as countries consider proposals for new EU rules to massively curb children’s social media use. Politicians have jumped on the SkinnyTok example to elevate their concerns.
The platform’s responsibilities for guarding against the harmful effects of the SkinnyTok hashtag were a feature of a Friday call between the EU’s Consumer Protection Commissioner Michael McGrath and TikTok CEO Shou Chew, according to a readout.
That comes as the EU continues a wider investigation into the platform’s algorithms under the bloc’s content moderation rulebook, the Digital Services Act.
“This is a live investigation which will take its course in the normal way but I felt it was important to reiterate the Commission’s strong stance on child protection,” McGrath said following Friday’s call.
In 2024 TikTok suspended and later withdrew the TikTok Lite reward program — which rewarded users for screen time — after concerns about its effect on mental health.
SkinnyTok Ban: A Step in the Right Direction for Online Child Safety? Expert Insights
Keywords: SkinnyTok, TikTok, online safety, child protection, social media regulation, Digital Services Act, mental health, EU regulation
Time.news: Welcome, everyone. Today, we're diving into a critical issue: the recent action taken by TikTok to address the "SkinnyTok" hashtag. To dissect this, we have Dr.Anya Sharma, a leading expert in child psychology and social media's impact on youth. Dr. Sharma, thanks for joining us.
Dr.Sharma: Thank you for having me.
Time.news: Dr. Sharma, can you briefly explain what "SkinnyTok" refers to, and why it's become such a concern?
Dr. Sharma: "SkinnyTok," essentially, encompasses content on TikTok-frequently enough videos and images-that promotes extreme thinness and perhaps unhealthy dieting habits. It's concerning because vulnerable young users can be easily influenced, leading to body image issues, eating disorders, and a distorted perception of what constitutes a healthy lifestyle.
Time.news: TikTok has now linked searches for this hashtag to mental health resources.How notable is this move, in your opinion?
Dr. Sharma: It's definitely a positive first step. Linking to mental health resources is crucial as it provides immediate support to those who might be negatively affected by the content. It acknowledges the platform's duty in directing its users to help but,but we need to see if it is enough to effectively prevent the harm that is caused by the hashtag.
Time.news: France's Digital Minister Clara Chappaz called this a "collective victory." Do you share her optimism, or is there more to be done?
Dr.Sharma: While celebrating progress is crucial, I believe this is just the starting point.The underlying issue of harmful content targeting vulnerable audiences still persists. Minister Chappaz's commitment to banning social media before 15 is a much more proactive long-term goal that I believe is a very important step.
Time.news: The EU is also intensifying its scrutiny of TikTok, investigating its algorithms under the Digital Services Act. What are the key aspects of this investigation, and what could be the potential outcomes?
Dr. Sharma: The EU's investigation centers around TikTok's algorithms and how they might be amplifying harmful content,especially to young users. The Digital Services Act gives the EU significant power to demand transparency and accountability from platforms. One potential outcome could involve TikTok being mandated to change its algorithms to prioritize user safety and well-being,with the threat of substantial fines for non-compliance.
Time.news: TikTok previously suspended and withdrew its TikTok Lite reward program due to mental health concerns. How does this incident relate to the current "SkinnyTok" issue?
Dr. Sharma: Both situations highlight a pattern: TikTok implementing features that, whether intentionally or not, can negatively impact mental health, notably among young users.The TikTok Lite reward program encouraged excessive screen time, which can exacerbate anxiety and feelings of isolation. It demonstrates the need for TikTok to thoroughly assess the potential consequences of any reward-based feature of system before it is implemented.
Time.news: What advice would you give to parents who are concerned about their children being exposed to harmful content like "SkinnyTok" on social media?
Dr. Sharma: Open communication is paramount. Talk to your children about body image, responsible social media use, and the importance of critical thinking. Familiarize yourself with the platforms they're using. Also, encourage them to report harmful content and seek support from trusted adults or mental health professionals if they're struggling.
Time.news: What can users themselves do to combat harmful content like this on platforms like TikTok?
Dr. Sharma: Users can be proactive by reporting content that violates community guidelines. Follow accounts which make people feel good, content creators who empower and uplift people, rather than those who put others down. Educate your friends and peers. And most of all, speak up! When people are allowed to get away with hate speech online, it onyl continues that endless cycle of hate.
Time.news: Thank you, Dr. Sharma, for sharing your expertise and insights. This is a complex issue, and your perspective is invaluable.
Dr. Sharma: My pleasure. It's vital to keep this conversation going and hold social media platforms accountable for safeguarding the well-being of their users, especially children.
