Social sites are linked to eating disorders

SOCIAL media is fuelling eating disorders among children as young as 12, according to a study.

The biggest link was found with platforms that encourage the posting and viewing of images such as Instagram and Facebook, said researchers. The findings were based on almost 1,000 children aged 12 to 14.

Behaviours associated with anorexia, bulimia and binge eating were reported by more than half of girls (52 per cent) and 45% of boys – up to twice as high as previously feared.

Strict exercise and meal skipping were the most common, reports the International Journal Of Eating Disorders.

Overall, three-quarters of girls and seven in 10 boys had at least one account, with Instagram the most popular.

A greater number of social media accounts – and greater daily time spent using them – were linked to a higher likelihood of disordered eating thoughts and behaviours.

As well as being asked about their social media habits, participants completed a questionnaire used in eating disorder examinations based on self reported concerns about their diet, shape and weight.

Lead author Dr Simon Wilksch, of Flinders University in Australia, said: “It was notable girls were more likely to post pictures of people than boys on Instagram and Snapchat.

“This did not apply to selfies, but to pictures taken by others of the participant, as well as pictures of friends and celebrities. Girls were also twice as likely as boys to post pictures of food (Snapchat).

“These respective findings suggest girls have a greater focus on appearance and food than boys and fits conceptually with girls having increased disordered eating risk.”