First Steps ED

While views on a ban for under-16s are mixed, many families affected by eating disorders are already seeing real harm from social media, particularly around body image and diet content.

We’ve seen a 32% rise in referrals in the past year, with most therapists reporting social media as a contributing factor.

Our CEO, Daniel Magson, explains that while a minimum age of 16 isn’t a complete solution, it could offer urgent protection while longer-term changes to platform algorithms are addressed. We continue to call for stronger action on harmful content, platform regulation, and digital literacy support.

We know this is a complex issue with a range of views, and we welcome respectful discussion as part of efforts to create safer digital spaces for children and young people.

Read more: https://firststepsed.co.uk/blog/the-social-media-ban-for-under-16s-could-be-a-significant-route-for-tackling-the-eating-disorders-epidemic/

This Pride Month, we’re coming together with our friends at Tellmi to amplify the voices of LGBTQIA+ young people in a space that centres lived experience, honesty, and peer support.

We asked:
“What’s something you’d want another LGBTQIA+ young person to know this Pride Month?”

Thank you to everyone who contributed their voice! Your words may help someone else feel seen, supported, and less alone.

This powerful blog shares one family’s journey through two years of hospital care, uncertainty, setbacks, and ultimately, recovery and return home.

For parents and carers, it’s a reminder that even in the most difficult moments, change is possible.

Read the full blog here: https://firststepsed.co.uk/blog/two-years-one-family-endless-hope/

Karen England from the OperaBabes was featured last night on ITV Central News East and West Midlands, speaking about her upcoming concert raising vital funds for First Steps ED.

Karen reflected on the intense body image pressures she faced in the music industry, from being told to diet before photoshoots to seeing her body airbrushed on album artwork.

Our CEO, Daniel Magson, was also interviewed, highlighting the sharp rise in demand for eating disorder support, and why First Steps ED is committed to campaigning for safer online spaces and supporting those affected.

The concert will raise vital funds to help First Steps ED continue supporting individuals, families and communities affected by eating disorders and disordered eating.

Date: 19/06/2026
Time: 7:30pm
Venue: Derby Cathedral
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/youll-never-walk-alone-operababes-charity-concert-tickets-1984775625324?aff=oddtdtcreator

You can watch the full interview here: https://www.itv.com/watch/news/you-can-only-eat-apples-from-now-operababes-star-on-fame-body-image-and-eating-disorders/wh351mg

"You can only eat apples from now”: OperaBabes star on fame, body image and eating disorders - Latest From ITV News Watch the latest from ITV News - In an exclusive interview, Karen England speaks out for the first time about the toxic body image pressures of the 90s compared to now.