A mother from Watford has launched a petition to change social media laws so people know when online content has been edited or filtered.
The campaign, called #HonestyAboutEditing, wants to make it the law to label content that has been digitally edited online, including bodies, skin, and size to protect young people’s mental health and proactively support their body image and self-esteem in relation to the content they consume on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Speaking to WatfordNews, Suzanne explained: “I have got no problem with social media, I think it can be an extremely powerful tool. I have nothing against editing either, you can choose what you want to do with your own body. However, the problem is with the lack of transparency when it comes to editing.
“Young people, both girls and boys, think that these edited social media posts are a reality, and can feel like they are not good enough because they don’t match these unattainable, unrealistic standards.”
Suzanne has already gained 1,800 signatures on her petition and hopes to gain as much support as possible for the #HonestyAboutEditing campaign to create awareness and change in the law.
Dean Russell MP has previously pledged support to the petition, saying: “I am pleased to support the #HonestyAboutEditing Campaign which raises awareness around online posts which are digitally edited.
“An increasing number of people are affected by negative online comments, and I would like to see a level of protection for people who suffer with their mental health, eating disorders, anxiety, depression and negative body image and self-esteem. Thank you to my constituent Suzanne for campaigning for change.”
To sign the petition visit www.change.org/ChangeSocialMediaLaws
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