Children in England ‘bombarded’ with online ads for harmful products

A recent study commissioned by the children’s commissioner for England found that teenagers are frequently exposed to online advertisements for harmful products, including weight-loss drugs, steroids, and skin-whitening creams, on social media, video games, and apps. The research, which polled 2,000 teenagers, revealed that a significant percentage had seen ads for these products, often promoted by influencers or small-scale content creators. Over three-quarters of teens reported a negative impact on their self-esteem due to this exposure, with some experiencing adverse reactions from trying the products. The children’s commissioner, Dame Rachel de Souza, is urging for urgent action to create a safer online environment, emphasizing that a potential social media ban for under-16s alone may not be sufficient. The report highlights the need to address the normalization of potentially dangerous products and protect children from online exploitation of insecurities.

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