YouTube is introducing new limits on recommendations for certain health and fitness videos aimed at teenagers, particularly those that promote “idealised” body types. While users aged 13 to 17 will still be able to search for and watch fitness-related content, they won’t be directed toward similar videos repeatedly.
The company is implementing these changes out of concern that repeatedly seeing such content might contribute to young people developing unhealthy perceptions of themselves.
YouTube’s Youth and Families Advisory Committee noted that teens are more vulnerable than adults to adopting a negative self-image when exposed to frequent messages about “ideal” standards.
However, these restrictions will only apply if a user is logged into a YouTube account with a correctly entered date of birth. Typically, YouTube’s algorithm suggests related videos after one finishes playing or displays them in a sidebar, but this function will be disabled for teens when it comes to certain content, such as:
- Videos comparing physical appearances and favoring some traits over others
- Videos promoting specific body weights or fitness levels as ideal
- Videos showcasing aggressive behaviour, like non-contact fights or intimidation
New users on the platform aren’t automatically age-verified. While users must be at least 13 to join, YouTube may request age verification if it suspects false information. If users fail verification, they will need a parent or guardian to supervise the account, or the account will be disabled.
Additionally, parents can link their accounts to their teens, enabling them to view their child’s activity, including uploads, subscriptions, and comments, as well as receive notifications when the teen uploads videos or begins livestreaming. YouTube has also recently announced new ways that parents can track their children’s activities for safety reasons.
Social media safety experts have welcomed the measure but say that there needs to be further discussions about fitness and health for young people.
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