Dove and Mental Health Europe call for a safer social media environment to protect children’s mental health
While social media can foster creativity and connection, it is also one of the biggest threats to young people’s mental health today. New research from the Dove Self-Esteem Project reveals over 8 in 10 kids are exposed to toxic beauty content on social media.
The new 2023 Dove Self Esteem Project Research for Kids Online Safety found:
Over 9 in 10 youth mental health specialists say social media is fuelling a mental health crisis among young people.
More than 50% of kids say social media makes them and their peers feel anxious.
In the EU, the Digital Services Act (DSA) was passed in 2022 to create a safer digital space. This legislation is a big step forward. However, national legislators are not expected to start action until February 2024.
The DSA requires all providers of services likely to be accessed by or to affect children to uphold their rights, undertake child impact assessments and mitigate systemic risks to children’s rights based on statutory standards.
Through advocacy and awareness-raising activities, Dove and MHE will push to prioritise legislation at the national level across the European Union that advocates for new design standards that will reduce the harmful content young people are exposed to online. This includes:
Requiring online platforms to include trigger warnings for sensitive content featuring self-harm or eating disorders.
Prohibiting targeted advertising based on involuntary tracking.
Designing digital services that cater to the needs of children and young people by default.
MHE has launched a Petition on Change.org, together with Dove, to demand national legislators make social media a healthier, safer experience for children and young people. Together, we can protect our young people’s mental health.
Sign the petition to help prioritise the implementation of the Digital Services Act
Stand up for Kids Online Safety: Dove Self-Esteem Project
Sensitive content: This film features real stories about body appearance that may be upsetting to some viewers.
To raise awareness and inspire collective action to make social media safer, watch below Dove’s new film: Cost of Beauty: A Dove Film.
The film explores the real-life consequences of harmful beauty content and offers a glimpse into the lives of young people who are coming of age with social media.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. To read more about Cookies and Privacy Policy please go to this page.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.