YouTube restricts teenagers' access to fitness videos

In the future, YouTube will only recommend certain health and fitness videos to teenagers, including those that “idealize” certain body types.

It states that while 13- to 17-year-old users will still be able to search for and watch fitness-related content, they will not be encouraged to watch similar videos repeatedly.

YouTube explains that it is taking this step because it fears that repeated exposure to such material could lead young people to form “negative opinions” of themselves.

Experts welcome the measure, but say it must be accompanied by a “broader discussion” about fitness and health for young people.

YouTube's algorithm typically recommends similar content for users to watch after they finish watching a particular video, and also displays related videos in a sidebar.

The platform states that this will no longer be offered to teens when viewing certain types of content, including:

• Videos that compare physical characteristics and idealize some types over others

• Videos to idealize certain fitness levels or body weights

• Videos showing social aggression in the form of non-contact fights and intimidation

YouTube said the action was taken after its Youth and Family Advisory Council found that “teens are more likely than adults to develop negative opinions of themselves when they repeatedly see messages about ideal standards in the online content they consume.”

However, the restrictions on the video offering should only be possible if the user is logged in with a YouTube account – and has provided a correct date of birth.

The platform does not automatically verify new users who join it.

However, new users must be at least 13 years old. If YouTube suspects they have misrepresented their age, they may be asked to verify it.

New users who fail verification will be asked to add a parent or guardian to supervise the account, otherwise the account will be disabled.

Dr Petya Eckler, a lecturer at the University of Strathclyde who researches the link between body image and social media, said she welcomed the announcement given “the link between young people's use of social media and perceptions of their bodies”.

However, she told the BBC that more needs to be done.

“This should go hand in hand with a broader discussion about fitness and health within the family and the idea that physical activity is a great way to improve our overall health and wellbeing and should not just be done for the sake of appearance.”

YouTube has also announced new ways for parents to track their children's activities on the platform.

Parents can link the accounts of teens in their household to see their uploads, subscriptions, and comments, and receive emails when they upload videos or start livestreaming.

In May, the UK regulator Ofcom called on technology companies to rewrite their algorithms to keep children away from “toxic” material.