Can you believe the above ? Was working out at the gym and saw programme about teenage girls addicted to such sites and being encouraged to lose weight to a dangerous level. Was on Channel 4 at about 10.30 a.m. this morning. Did anyone else see it ? Very disturbing. A young adult involved with the sites said "they aren't supposed to be under 18 and can't register if they are". Obviously 16 year olds will lie about their age and join if they are that determined. Apparently they can mentor others so they lose weight and attain an ideal of "beauty". Felt incensed, distressed and a bit scared really. My dd is only 10.
I know this is old-fashioned, but shouldn't we be protecting our young people so they don't damage their bodies while they are growing and close these sites down. They are completely contrary to all the good health messages we are receiving as adults, never mind teenage girls.
One girl focussed on had to go to a clinic to have her anorexia treated and the other was becoming obsessed, not eating and working out excessively. The sites had tips for throwing up and getting thinner etc. GRRRRRR !!! Dangerous and wrong. Think as many people as poss should be aware of this - parents of pre-teens and teens and monitor what their children are finding on the internet. Maybe there should be something to filter such sites out.
I am still horrified. In my innocence I had never heard of them before, but thought I should spread a warning word.