TikTok has banned the “skinnytok” hashtag to protect its users from harmful content.
TikTok has banned the “skinnytok” hashtag to protect its users from harmful content.
The social media platform has taken action after critics blasted the trend which pushed users towards content which put a focus on “extreme thinness”, including workouts and daily food vlogs.
As reported by the BBC, TikTok has confirmed it has “blocked search results for #skinnytok since it has become linked to unhealthy weight loss content”.
The company added it is regularly assessing its safety measures to “address evolving risks”.
The TikTok spokesperson added: “We continue to restrict videos from teen accounts and provide health experts and information in TikTok Search,” it
Instead of such content, anyone using the hashtag will be pointed towards mental health support resources.
Eating disorder charity Beat’s Tom Quinn has welcomed the move but insisted there is more TikTok needs to do.
He told BBC News: “We know that users will very often find workarounds to content blocks and there will still be damaging content which isn’t shared under the ‘skinnytok’ umbrella, which TikTok and other social media platforms must now address.”
The hashtag is said to have over 500,000 posts linked to it, according to the US’ National Alliance for Eating Disorders.
While many of these appear to promote healthy living with low-calorie recipes, the organisation has warned the content “glorifies thinness and vilifies weight gain” while encouraging “disordered eating behaviours.”
TikTok takes action against problematic ‘skinnytok’ hashtag
