Eating disorders charity launches digital awareness campaign

Eating disorders charity First Steps ED has launched a campaign designed to help young people and families better understand the impact of online content on mental health and eating disorders.

Running throughout September, the Scroll Safe digital awareness campaign provides support to students, parents and carers on navigating the online world safely, offering practical tips, guidance on spotting misinformation, and insights into AI-generated images and other online content.

It aims to give young people and families the tools to recognise harmful content, protect their mental health and engage with the online world more mindfully.

Key themes include recognising and challenging harmful social media posts, encouraging open conversations between parents and children, supporting safer scrolling habits and promoting the rights and protections introduced by the Online Safety Bill.

It has been launched now to coincide with the new academic year beginning.

In a statement, First Steps ED said: “In today’s digital world, young people are spending more time online than ever before.

“While social media can be a source of connection and creativity, it can also expose users to content that’s harmful, especially for those struggling with body image, low self-esteem, or eating disorders.

“From extreme dieting trends to glamorised disordered habits, much of what we see online isn’t just unhelpful, it can be dangerous.

“Our campaign aligns with the introduction of the Online Safety Bill, a major piece of legislation designed to make the internet a safer place for everyone, especially children and young adults.”

The campaign includes tips, toolkits, and real-life stories that make online spaces safer.

For more information about Scroll Safe visit https://firststepsed.co.uk/scrollsafe.