Teens Bombarded with Harmful Online Product Ads

Research indicates that teenagers are routinely exposed to dangerous products online, including weight-loss drugs, steroids, and skin-whitening creams. A significant portion of 13 to 17-year-olds reported seeing prescription-only weight-loss drugs (41%), potentially toxic skin-whitening creams (27%), and steroids for muscle mass (24%).

These harmful advertisements appear across social media, gaming, and influencer content, despite many products being banned for under-18s. The pervasive nature of these promotions is causing immense damage to young people's developing sense of self-esteem, with over three-quarters reporting negative effects. Ethnic inequalities were also noted, with Black children more likely to have tried weight-loss products and Black and Asian teens reporting more exposure to skin-lightening cream ads.

In response, calls are being made for a ban on all advertising to children on social media and enhanced regulation for online sales of age-restricted items. The government is consulting on measures like a potential social media ban for under-16s, acknowledging the need for robust enforcement and an online world designed for safety.