Social media use linked to disordered eating behaviours in teens

Researchers surveyed 996 seventh- and eighth-graders, age 13 on average, about their use of social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Tumbler. They also asked kids about disordered eating behaviours like worrying about their weight or shape, binge eating, skipping meals or strict exercise regimens.

Overall, 75 per cent of girls and 70 per cent of boys had at least one social media account, and 52 per cent of girls reported at least one disordered eating behaviour along with 45 per cent of the boys, according to the report in the International Journal of Eating Disorders.

Compared to teens without any social media accounts, boys and girls on social media were more likely to report disordered eating behaviours. The frequency of these behaviours increased along with the number of social media accounts teens had.