YouTube updates its policies regarding content related to eating disorders and is working with experts to promote recovery and safeguard vulnerable viewers.

Important Guide

YouTube is revising its approach to content related to eating disorders, with a focus on promoting recovery and preventing potential triggers.

YouTube is working with expert organizations to create a comprehensive framework, which includes updated Community Guidelines and age restrictions.

The crisis resource panels will be extended to video pages, offering viewers valuable context and mental health resources.

In response to the intricate connection between mental health problems and online content, YouTube is revising its strategy regarding videos that portray eating disorders.

Although YouTube has already removed content that celebrates or encourages eating disorders, it will now prohibit content that showcases imitable behavior.

This may include videos depicting or explaining disordered eating habits, like purging after eating or severely restricting calorie intake, and bullying based on weight.

YouTube has indicated that it will take the context into account while assessing nuanced content.

The company aims to establish a secure community where recovery and resources are promoted while ensuring that viewers are safeguarded against potential triggers.

Here is more information about YouTube’s policy adjustments:

Restrictions based on age and Crisis Resource Panels

Videos that focus on eating disorder recovery or provide adequate educational, documentary, scientific, or artistic context (EDSA) may continue to be available on YouTube.

However, these videos will be subject to an age restriction or a crisis resource panel.

Specific content will be restricted based on age, which means that it will not be accessible to viewers under 18.

YouTube’s approach to age restrictions for videos related to eating disorders was developed in consultation with third-party experts.

Collaborating With Mental Health Organizations

YouTube has also partnered with mental health organizations like the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) to establish a framework for managing content related to eating disorders.

This framework includes expanding the scope of YouTube’s Community Guidelines, age-restricting specific videos, and featuring crisis resource panels under videos that discuss eating disorders.

These panels provide resources and information from global mental health support organizations and are displayed at the top of the screen for searches related to eating disorders in some countries.

The updated framework for eating disorder-related content will be visible from today and will be ramping up in the following weeks.

Summary

YouTube’s updated policies and features for eating disorder-related content signify its commitment to promoting mental health awareness and supporting those in recovery.

By collaborating with experts, implementing age restrictions, and expanding crisis resource panels, YouTube is taking significant steps toward ensuring a safe and inclusive online community.

YouTube will closely monitor the impact of these changes and strive to find a balance between providing helpful resources and protecting vulnerable viewers.