Internet Trends That Parents Need to Be Aware Of

Parents often ask about screen use—what’s appropriate? How much? We’ve heard about the risks regarding safety and security and want to provide support through boundaries and guidance. This can come through educating our kids on internet safety, keeping screens in common areas, and putting limits on its use.

The news has reported on dangerous internet trends ranging from ingesting non-food items to taking risky selfies, but there are several trends related to food and body that parents need to be aware of.  

Pro-Ana Rebranded as SkinnyTok

When Tumblr was popular nearly two decades ago, pro-ana content exploded. “Pro-ana”, short for pro-anorexia, is a term used for content that shares tips and encouragement for people struggling with eating disorders. Similarly, its counterpart, pro-mia (pro-bulimia) encourages losing weight in whatever way possible and is, obviously, incredibly dangerous.

However, pro-ana existed before Tumblr and will likely continue to find ways to lurk on the internet. It most recently has resurfaced in an incredibly visible way via TikTok. In what has been dubbed SkinnyTok, users are able to search for content—or have the content suggested to them—of very thin individuals body checking, sharing what they eat in a day, or comparing before and after images.

SkinnyTok content is not limited to TikTok, however. Across social media platforms, disordered eating content is easily accessible. Plenty of content, such as thinspiration and fitspo, is not only discussed but praised based on current societal standards. While a focus on health can be a wonderful thing, consistently consuming content related to “ideal” body standards and food consumption can lead to disordered eating.

“Black pill” is another trend that may be popping up on your adolescent’s social media feed and refers to misogynistic ways to “categorize” women based on appearance. It’s radical views stem from male supremacist groups that often blame women for a man’s loneliness.

How to Respond

With the influence social media can have on an individual, what should be implemented to protect teens and their still-growing brains?

• Education: It is crucial for caregivers to provide education on internet safety. Have discussions with your child that includes body image and food neutrality in addition to cyberbullying, sexting, and protecting personal information.

• Boundaries and expectations: Create guidelines/limitations for your child so that the expectations are clear as to when, where, and for how long they can access social media. Have screentime in common areas of the house and discuss what they view.

• Foster healthy relationships with food and body: There are so many messages coming from health care professionals, schools, loved ones, and media regarding health and wellness. Unfortunately, much of this content is biased, cherry-picked, or promoting disordered eating. Start having conversations at home related to body neutrality (respecting our bodies, no matter their appearance) and try to avoid using labels for food such as good/bad, healthy/unhealthy, fattening, etc., as there is too much nuance to deduce food to such binary terms.

Staying informed on current online trends and how to protect our kids seems like an ever-evolving task. While social media can be a great way for teens to connect with their peers, it is well-known that it can have a major impact on one’s mental health, as well. Conversations about internet safety should include topics of food and body to promote health and wellbeing.