The Advertising Standards Authority has banned an advert for lip fillers which suggested the procedure was “as commonplace as getting your hair done”.
Liam Preston, Head of YMCA’s Be Real Campaign said:
“The Be Real Campaign welcomes the Advertising Standards Authority taking action on irresponsible advertising such as this. It’s disgusting that companies continue to take advantage of young people’s insecurities about their body image and promoting lip filler treatment as ‘normal’ and ‘safe’ when it is anything but.
“Young people are extremely impressionable and constantly bombarded with messages telling them that their bodies aren’t enough, leading to greater anxiety, starting at a younger and younger age.
“Our own research found that more than half of 11 to 16-year-olds have been bullied about their appearance and 36% were willing to do ‘whatever it takes to look good’. Lip fillers are an extreme step to take in altering your appearance and seeing it be promoted as a normal response to body image pressures is alarming.”
Find out how the Be Real Campaign is supporting young people to improve their body confidence in schools.