Episode 3 | TikTok, Teens & Eating Disorders: What Parents Need to Know

🚨 The Dangers of TikTok, Social Media & Eating Disorders in Teens
In this third episode of Safe Parenting with FunkyFing, we dive deep into one of the most alarming trends among today’s youth—eating disorders linked to social media, especially platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

🎙️ Special guest Dr. Anke de Beer (expert in digital addiction and author of The Digital Dilemma) returns to share real-life stories from her work across South Africa—stories that every parent must hear.

📌 What you'll learn in this episode:
✔️ Why eating disorders like anorexia are rising sharply in teens
✔️ How algorithms on TikTok promote harmful content (intermittent fasting, calorie counting, pro-anorexia communities)
✔️ The disturbing influence of platforms like TikTok and Instagram on mental and physical health
✔️ Why children as young as 6 are being exposed to explicit and adult content
✔️ The psychological manipulation behind social media algorithms
✔️ What parents can do to delay exposure, monitor content, and reclaim digital parenting
✔️ How to build a child's identity outside of social media

💡 Key takeaway: It’s not a question of if your child will be exposed to adult content—it’s when. And by then, it might be too late to undo the damage.

📚 Resources Mentioned:
📖 The Digital Dilemma by Dr. Anke de Beer
📖 Jamie’s New Friend (Children’s book)

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with a parent who needs to hear this.

#ProtectOurKids #SafeParenting #DigitalWellbeing

-----------

Welcome to Safe Parenting with Funkyfing, the podcast for parents navigating the challenges of raising kids in a connected world and the landscape of South Africa. Join host Samantha, founder of Funkyfing, as she dives into digital safety, parenting strategies, and expert insights to help you keep your children secure—both online and in real life. Stay tuned for practical tips, real conversations, and the latest trends shaping modern parenting.

Follow us on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1EA9yD7aVP/?mibextid=K35XfP

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/myfunkyfing?igsh=MWFscHluNnRibDFwdg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Get in contact: support@funkyfing.com