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Chairman, Federal
Communications Commission
USA
Tom.Wheeler@fcc.gov
April 11, 2014
Dear Mr Wheeler,
My name is Amy
Cunningham. I am a public health professional, and a mother of a 12 year old
child in recovery from anorexia, a serious eating disorder. I am writing
to ask for your assistance in making the internet a safer place for our
children. I am part of a global group of mothers and other concerned
citizens fighting eating disorders on many fronts. We are currently actively
addressing issues in the regulatory frameworks and media that affect people at
risk of developing an eating disorder or in recovery.
In the past several
years there is a proliferation of 'channels' and 'personalities' using specific
media to communicate to their followers including YouTube, Instagram, Facebook
and more. Through the use of the media and related advertising partner
programs they receive payment. Subsequently many also peddle books and
appearances. What they promote are 'lifestyles' that involve fruit only
or raw food diets. Through these largely unregulated channels they reach
out to and dispense information to young children, adolescents and people at
risk of or in an eating disorder. This is extremely dangerous.
In one case recently a
woman called TannyRaw on Youtube and instagram advised a girl to stop her
treatment for anorexia and ignore medical advice! This young girl spent almost
a year in inpatient treatment for anorexia. Ms. TannyRaw knew this. This
is one of many MANY cases we are attempting to address. Another case of
Freelee the Banana Girl, based out of Australia, over 2 million people have
viewed some of her videos. She uses 'fat shaming' and other approaches to
keep and maintain her 'clients'. Neither of them will communicate with
us. They are NOT health professionals yet are marketing health advice to
extremely vulnerable people with eating disorders.
As you likely are
aware, eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia and others are serious
psychological illnesses - with up to 10 percent mortality - the highest
mortality of all mental illnesses. We also know that they have a genetic and
biologic basis, but that environmental triggers can facilitate development and
inhibit recovery. There are several bills in the US Congress right now
including the Truth in Advertising Act that should help address some of the
'triggers' by regulating use of photo-shopping and size of models.
We would like your
advice on these marketing self promoters. How can they be regulated? For example, YouTube videos promoting such
unhealthy diets should have a disclaimer "Not Appropriate for
children, adolescents or those suffering from eating disorders".
Is there currently ANY
way to regulate these groups? They are a huge danger to people already
fighting for their lives.
We would greatly
appreciate your advice and support. We are happy to provide more
information as needed. Below are several of the links to some of the most
egregious videos. There are many more –
as well as the many comments from the sponsors giving health advice.
YouTube Video Freelee
Banana Girl promoting Thigh Gap. Also
check her many other hundreds of videos.
Sincerely,
Amy Cunningham
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