Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)

On 22 February, I raised the issue of pro-eating disorder websites at a briefing on eating disorders by Bodywhys that coincided with eating disorder awareness week. These websites define and promote anorexia and bulimia as conscious choices and a lifestyle. They are called pro-ana and pro-mia websites and exploit the vulnerability of people whose ability to reason logically is impaired. Sites often contain sections such as thinspiration, with inspiring text and photos of very thin celebrities or manipulated photographs. A tips and tricks section offers information on the calorie values of certain foodstuffs and drugs, as well as suggestions to mask dieting behaviour and the anorexic body shape.

A study published online in the European Eating Disorder Review in January 2009 was based on research on school students in Belgium. Some 12.6% of girls and 5.9% of boys aged 13, 15 and 17 had access to pro-anorexic websites. Visiting such sites was associated with a higher drive for thinness and higher levels of perfectionism. No such figures are available for Ireland but, based on the number of people who have contacted me as a Deputy, ex-school principal and teacher, I have no doubt that the figures are just as depressing for Ireland. Bodywhys points to the dangers of the websites, such as that they are potential triggers into an unhealthy, destructive lifestyle, that people can get competitive about how thin they are, and that an unwell person can see weight loss control as an achievement whereas it is a reflection of obsessive and potentially deadly behaviour. These sites can encourage and maintain the disorder. They can be salacious, sensationalist and disrespectful of the dignity of people affected by eating disorders. They also show a lack of respect for professionals, clinicians and researchers who devote their time to the study and treatment of eating disorders and related problems.

America, France and the UK have made efforts to block access to such websites but have not been successful. It is important that Ireland also investigates ways to protect our young and vulnerable people and learns from actions taken by other countries.

See this speech in context