TikTok Supports Eating Disorders Awareness Week

At TikTok, they are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the over 1 billion people who use their app. They believe that each day presents an opportunity to fulfill this commitment. One way they do this is by creating a space where difficult conversations can take place, including those surrounding mental health challenges and eating disorders.

This week, they are recognizing Eating Disorders Awareness Week (February 27 - March 5, 2023) through an in-app campaign. The campaign highlights the creators, resources, and organizations they are partnering with to foster understanding, reduce stigma, and support recovery.

TikTok is collaborating with the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) and the National Alliance for Eating Disorders (The Alliance) to raise awareness about eating disorders. Users can find more information about Eating Disorder Awareness Week and access life-saving resources provided by NEDA and The Alliance on TikTok. These resources include tips on how to support a loved one with an eating disorder, as well as confidential helplines and treatment options.

TikTok wants everyone to feel safe and supported when using their platform. They understand that eating disorders are complex and can manifest differently in each person. To showcase the diverse forms that eating disorders can take and challenge systemic biases, their community is encouraged to share their experiences and recovery journeys on TikTok using the hashtag #ItsTimeforChange. The goal is to empower the community to authentically express themselves, even when facing challenging life experiences.

Together with the Alliance for Eating Disorders, TikTok aims to break the stigma surrounding eating disorders by openly discussing them. They encourage users to use the hashtag #itstimeforchange to share their personal experiences and remind others that eating disorders can affect anyone. Immediate assistance is available through the National Alliance for Eating Disorders helpline, text service, and website.

Eating disorders are complex and pervasive issues. TikTok is committed to addressing them with the nuance and care that their community deserves. They do not allow content that promotes or normalizes eating disorders or disordered eating on their platform. Instead, they redirect searches related to eating disorders to the National Eating Disorders Association's Helpline and provide a guide on disordered eating in their Safety Center.

TikTok understands that triggers can vary from person to person. To give their community more control over their TikTok experience, they have introduced a feature that allows users to filter videos with specific hashtags or phrases from their For You feeds. They value the trust that individuals dealing with eating disorders have in them, and they are dedicated to developing policies, working with partners, and implementing measures that promote the well-being of every person on TikTok. They believe it is time for change, and they want to be part of that change.

"Eating disorders impact the lives of 28.8 million Americans and millions more around the world. The majority of cases, 95%, occur in individuals aged 12 to 25. Eating disorders are serious mental and physical illnesses that can affect people of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weights. NEDA is excited to expand our collaboration with TikTok to responsibly use social media as a platform to connect people with the resources they need and to foster support, compassion, and care for those living with an eating disorder." - Sarah Chase, VP of Communication & Marketing, National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)

"The National Alliance for Eating Disorders is thrilled to work with TikTok to raise awareness and elevate the conversation surrounding eating disorders. With over 29 million Americans experiencing an eating disorder in their lifetime, this year's theme, "It's Time for Change," holds even greater significance. Now is the time for more equity, inclusion, access, outreach, early intervention, education, representation, advocacy, and awareness. We are grateful to have a national platform, and together we can connect individuals to life-saving resources and provide support for those living with an eating disorder and their loved ones." - Johanna Kandel, Founder & CEO, National Alliance for Eating Disorders