The French government has raised alarm over the rise of TikTok’s #SkinnyTok trend, which is believed to be fueling dangerous body image ideals among young women and girls. Clara Chappaz, France’s minister for digital affairs, has referred the trend to the country’s digital watchdog, Arcom, and the European Union, citing its disturbing influence and the risk of promoting anorexia.
With over 500,000 posts tagged under #SkinnyTok, many videos glorify extreme thinness and unhealthy behaviors, such as starvation and excessive exercise. Chappaz condemned the content, saying, “These videos are revolting and absolutely unacceptable … Social networks cannot escape their responsibility.”
This comes as France recently established a parliamentary commission to investigate TikTok’s psychological impact on minors. Arcom, which will provide testimony to the commission, is currently reviewing TikTok’s response to the issue and evaluating it as a “public health risk.”
Under the EU’s Digital Services Act, platforms are required to implement safety measures to protect minors online. In France, encouraging anorexia is already a criminal offense, punishable by up to a year in prison and a €10,000 fine.
Healthcare professionals are also taking action. Nurse Charlyne Buigues, who works with teens battling eating disorders, launched a petition warning about the trend’s damaging effects. She stressed the toll it takes on mental and physical health, pushing young users toward dangerous habits and unrealistic body expectations.
TikTok responded, saying it has removed harmful posts and restricts content that promotes unhealthy body standards. The platform also links users to resources for eating disorder support.
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