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Minors Exposed to Botox Ads on TikTok
An investigation reveals that minors are frequently exposed to advertisements for cosmetic procedures on TikTok, violating advertising regulations and negatively impacting young people's self-esteem.
Dutch
Netherlands
HealthNetherlandsGender IssuesSocial MediaRegulationAdvertisingMinors
Nos StoriesTiktokNederlandse Reclame Code CommissieNederlandse Vereniging Cosmetische Geneeskunde
Anne-Mette HermansArcadia
- What is TikTok's response to the issue?
- TikTok acknowledges the issue and states that its system is not foolproof, despite having a policy against content unsuitable for minors. They are working to improve their systems, but the problem persists.
- What is the main issue raised in the news article?
- Minors are being exposed to botox advertisements on TikTok, despite regulations prohibiting such targeted advertising towards those under 18. This is concerning because it normalizes cosmetic procedures and can negatively impact young people's self-esteem.
- How did the clinics involved respond to NOS Stories' inquiries?
- Four out of ten clinics contacted by NOS Stories admitted to unintentionally targeting minors with their advertisements and promised immediate removal. The Dutch Association of Cosmetic Medicine expressed serious concerns about this disregard for regulations.
- How did NOS Stories uncover the violation of advertising regulations?
- Several companies were found to be targeting teenagers aged 13-17 with ads for cosmetic procedures on TikTok, a violation of the Dutch advertising code. The NOS Stories investigation revealed this by using TikTok's Ads Library and creating a fake account.
- What is the impact of online content promoting cosmetic procedures on young people?
- The impact of online cosmetic procedure content on young people is significant, increasing their perception of these treatments as normal and driving up their willingness to undergo them. This leads to body image issues and a desire for cosmetic enhancements.