Written question asked by Shivani Raja (Conservative) on Friday, 28 August 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. It was answered by Alison McGovern (Labour) on Thursday, 17 September 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Social Media

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment she has made of health risks to minors from online 'looksmaxxing' trends promoting DIY cosmetic procedures and extreme dietary measures.

Answer

Following the national consultation, Growing up in the Online World, the Government is banning social media companies from offering their services to children aged under 16 years old. We will take the same approach as Australia. This will capture user-to-user platforms, whose purpose is to enable social interaction, including platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X.

The ban will reduce children’s exposure to all potentially harmful content which can be viewed via social media platforms, including online trends which promote harm to children.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 22451
Session: 2026-27
Subjects: Eating disorders Plastic surgery Social media Body dysmorphic disorder
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Social Media

Secondary information

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