Social Networking: Pro-Eating Disorder Websites Flood the Internet

A disturbing trend has been sweeping the Internet, and it could be deadly for your children. Children’s Hospital Boston alerted us about a crop of websites and blogs that actually promote eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia. These “pro-ana” and “pro-mia” (as they are nicknamed) sites declare eating disorders as simply lifestyle choices, and offer tips on how to conceal your starvation methods and “thinspiration” desires. Experts agree that these sites pose life-threatening risks to children and teens that frequent them, especially because they offer distorted thoughts and advice. Since these sites are available 24/7, it’s more important than ever for parents to monitor their child’s Internet use.

A new study conducted by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Stanford University School of Medicine analyzed content from 180 of these active pro-ana or pro-mia websites. Researchers found that 84% of the sites were pro-anorexic, 64% offered pro-bulimia content, with only 38% including information on recovery.

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