https://arab.news/ncx9b
- Google-owned platform updated algorithm to stop repeated recommendation of such videos
LONDON: YouTube has announced stricter safety measures for teen users around weight and fitness-related videos, aiming to protect young viewers from potentially harmful content.
The Google-owned platform said it has updated its algorithm to prevent these videos from being recommended to users aged 13 to 17, though the videos will not be banned outright.
This decision comes after experts raised concerns about the negative impact of repeated exposure to content that promotes unrealistic beauty or fitness standards.
“As a teen is developing thoughts about who they are and their own standards for themselves, repeated consumption of content featuring idealized standards that starts to shape an unrealistic internal standard could lead some to form negative beliefs about themselves,” explained Dr. Garth Graham, YouTube’s global head of health.
While such content does not violate YouTube’s guidelines, the platform acknowledged that excessive viewing could be harmful to some users’ mental well-being.
The new rules, developed with input from YouTube’s youth and family advisory committee, target content that promotes unrealistic physical ideals or encourages aggressive behavior.
In addition, YouTube said it is introducing the Family Center Hub, a tool to help parents monitor and manage their children’s activity on the platform, including insights into their kids’ subscriptions, comments, and video uploads.
These updates are set to roll out globally, including in the Middle East.