TikTok's "SkinnyTok" Trend Fuels Concerns About Teen Mental Health

TikTok's "SkinnyTok" Trend Raises Concerns Over Teenagers' Mental Health A concerning trend promoting unhealthy weight loss and beauty standards is spreading on TikTok under the hashtag #SkinnyTok. The Project TV's recent report highlights the alarming rise of videos showcasing restrictive eating habits and extreme weight loss measures. The report includes interviews with experts like Dr. Joanne Gray, a Usyd lecturer in digital cultures, and Danni Rowlands from the Butterfly Foundation. Dr. Gray states, "It's a lot of young people, mostly women, sharing content about skinniness as an ideal body type and different methods for achieving a very thin physique." Danni Rowlands emphasizes the dangers for teenagers whose brains are still developing. The video also features interviews with young people who have been exposed to this content through TikTok's algorithm. The Butterfly Foundation helpline (1800 334 673) and website (butterfly.org.au) are provided for those seeking help. The report underscores the need for a more proactive approach from TikTok and other stakeholders to protect young users.