‘Digitally altered images should have advisory labels’

Editing images is not a new phenomenon, but social media has provided the perfect breeding ground for promoting images of unrealistic body perfection. And it has had an adverse effect on the mental health of a generation.

That is why I am introducing a bill in the Commons seeking to bring advisory labels, especially for ads and sponsored posts, which state when images have been significantly digitally altered.

As a GP, I’m deeply concerned about the detrimental effect this desire to edit away natural appearance is having. Teenagers especially scroll freely on their phones, gazing at influencers, some of whom have been filtered to within an inch of their life. It’s natural to aspire to be like them, but in some cases it is impossible to achieve the body dimensions you see on screen – no matter how much time you spend in the gym or number of surgeries you undergo. And when these unrealistic goals are not met, self-confidence and body image deteriorate. Research shows one in five adults feel shame about their bodies; it increases to one in three in young people.

As a doctor, I’ve seen a rise in the number of people worried about their body image. It plays into anxiety and depression, and can lead to eating disorders. That’s why this is such an important conversation.

I’m not suggesting that Instagram filters are banned or that we can’t get rid of red eyes in our holiday snaps – but greater transparency is needed. Many influencers rely on youngsters engaging with their social media, so it isn’t unreasonable to expect a bit of honesty when physical proportions have been altered.

This bill promotes transparency and may benefit mental health. Who knows, it may even influence the influencers to go au naturel.