MEDIA RELEASE
October 7, 2024

Eating disorder carers applaud the Federal Government’s decision to increase the age limit for social media access to 16, saying the move is likely to improve the recovery chances of young people with eating disorders.

Eating Disorders Families Australia (EDFA) Executive Director Jane Rowan says 81% of eating disorder carers believed social media had either contributed to the development of their loved one’s eating disorder or hampered their recovery.

“Parents across Australia are breathing a sigh of relief today, particularly those who are caring for someone with an eating disorder and who fear their child may develop an eating disorder due to inappropriate content,” Ms Rowan says.

“My own daughter now openly admits the pro-Anorexia content she was receiving on two secret Instagram accounts significantly slowed her recovery.

“Knowing that we have helped to remove one major barrier to eating disorder recovery is a huge step in improving the recovery trajectory for many young people who are living with an eating disorder and will significantly aid their parents and carers in supporting their recovery.”

EDFA had called for an age limit of 16+ to be applied for social media access with effective age verification measures introduced to enforce this. It also called for increased education for young people in schools about the dangers of social media and additional resources and information for parents.

“Education for our young people and parents about how to navigate social media use remains vital,” Ms Rowan says, adding EDFA will await the details of the legislation with interest.

“We need to prepare our young people for social media use at the still vulnerable age of 16 in the same way that we provide education about drugs, alcohol, driving, and sex.”

There are currently 1.1 million Australians living with an eating disorder with EDFA conservatively estimating at least 4.4 million Australians are impacted as result when families are taken into account.

The Butterfly Foundation’s Paying The Price Report 2024 report found an increase in people experiencing eating disorders at younger ages, particularly among those aged 10-19 years.

In 2023, 27% of those with an ED were 19 years or younger, compared to 15% in 2012.

The average length of eating disorder recovery is five to seven years and one in five of those with Anorexia Nervosa will die as a result of the condition.

EDFA is the only national organisation providing support, education, advocacy and counselling services solely to carers and families of those living with an eating disorder. Established in 2016, EDFA currently has more than 3,000 members and has helped hundreds of carers and families over the years.

For further information, contact EDFA Executive Director Jane Rowan on 0408 780 292 or jane.rowan@edfa.org.au.
EDFA also has carers available for interview.