(de-news.net) – The German Society for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (DGKJP) has called for the implementation of legally binding regulations governing the use of social media, in response to a significant rise in hospital admissions among young individuals suffering from eating disorders. Eva Möhler, a specialist in child psychiatry and member of the DGKJP executive board, underscored the necessity of clear media consumption guidelines to support parents who often report feeling overwhelmed by the influence of digital environments on their children.

Möhler warned that online phenomena such as ‘SkinnyTok’ may contribute to the development and intensification of disordered eating behaviours. While therapeutic approaches address patients’ digital experiences and promote alternative forms of engagement—including exposure to nature, physical activity, music, and art—she emphasized that legislative intervention is essential to mitigate the impact of harmful online content.

According to data from the Federal Statistical Office, the number of girls aged 10 to 17 hospitalized for eating disorders doubled between 2003 and 2023, reaching 6,000 cases in the most recent year. Although the overall case count remained relatively stable, there was a marked shift in the age profile of those affected.