Social media cause of eating disorders in kids aged EIGHT
Experts’ online fears as sufferers become younger
YESTERDAY CHILDREN aged eight are being diagnosed with eating disorders – with social media increasingly being blamed.
Watchdogs have warned the number of youngsters suffering from conditions such as anorexia, bulimia and binge-eating are on the rise.
Just under 190,000 people in Ireland have an eating disorder, with around 1,700 new cases diagnosed every year.
But support groups are particularly concerned more children appear to be falling prey, many of them having developed an unhealthy attachment to their smartphones and tablets.
Bodywhys spokesperson Harriet Parsons said: “The age of onset for eating disorders used to be 15 to 24 but it’s now 13 to 18.
“Anecdotally, we’re hearing a lot more about sufferers who are 10, 11 or 12 years of age and even younger – eight or nine in some cases.”
Scientists have previously found evidence social media can lead to problems in youngsters.
A recent Canadian study, in which more than 4,500 eight- to 11-year-olds were analysed, found those who used smartphones for longer than two hours a day and slept less than nine hours a night were more impulsive.
Lead researcher Dr Michelle Guerrero, a paediatrician at the University of Ottawa, said: “Impulsive behaviour is associated with numerous mental health and addiction problems, including eating disorders, behavioural addictions and substance abuse.”
Ms Parsons added: “We’re all exposed to pressure around things like body image, food and health and exercise. The pressure is likely to increase if you have a smartphone or social media.
“Part of the reason is children are growing up faster but it also depends on personality type.
“Those who are vulnerable can be high achievers or perfectionists, all-or-nothing type personalities and often anxious.
“If they see certain images on social media, they can get it in their head they’re not a good person if they don’t look a certain way.
“You can’t put all the blame on social media but it is a contributory factor.”
Eating Disorders Awareness Week runs from today until Sunday. On Thursday the HSE and Bodywhys are launching an app to equip parents and families with tips to help identify if their kids have an eating disorder and, if so, get the treatment they require. ■ For further information, check out www.bodywhys.ie. The helpline number is 01 210 7906. Alternatively, email alex@bodywhys.ie.
They can get it in their head they’re not a good person if they don’t look a certain way HARRIET PARSONS