Following the release of shocking figures that more than half of the UK's hospital admissions for eating disorders were under 20-years-old and some of them under 10, social media has copped much of the blame for contributing to the development of eating disorders in "the Facebook generation."
Teen and pre-teen eating disorders have been on the rise, with children as young as seven being admitted for treatment in Australia, and anorexia nervosa among the most common disorders affecting adolescent girls.
A study from the University of Haifa recently found that the more time adolescent girls spend in front of Facebook, the more their chances of developing a negative body image, and various eating disorders.
But even though the studies found that Facebook was a contributor, the researchers said that ultimately it was up to the parents to control those habits, so parents are encouraged to get involved in their daughter's media exposure.
"This study has shown that a parent has potential ability to prevent dangerous behavioural disorders and negative eating behaviour in particular," researchers said.
Girls whose parents were involved in their media usage "“ who knew what they were viewing, reading, and what websites and social networks they were visiting "“ showed more personal empowerment, forming a protective shield against eating disorders.
