As Australia initiates a world-first social media ban for people under the age of 16, TikTok has announced it will ban beauty filters for teens. In the coming weeks, under-18s will find themselves unable to access viral filters like ‘Bold Glamour’, which dramatically change their appearance. The beauty filter ban is a response to issues relating to body image and self esteem among teens.
ELLE Australia has previously reported that 60% of young people say social media made them feel “dissatisfied with their body”—a figure that has grown by 12% since 2022. In Australia, the Butterfly Foundation, a not-for-profit working with disordered eating and negative body image, submitted a report to parliament encouraging further regulation of social media platforms. One recommendation specifically suggested the removal of beauty filters for those under the age of 18.
The concern around beauty filters is clearly not limited to Australia, with other nations, plus many influencers on the platform, expressing their distaste for the dramatic beauty filters. Beauty influencer Hira Mustafa shared that she used to use filters on, but “When I would see my regular self in the mirror, I’d be like, ‘oh, you don’t look that good.'”
“The impact it had on my self esteem to see normal skin with pores was outstanding,” she said in a clip that’s been viewed nearly 7 million times. “I realised how unhealthy it was.”
@lookwhoshira How beauty filters have impacted my self esteem. Your sign to unfollow people that dont bring you joy
♬ original sound – Hira Mustafasocial media should make people feel connected and inspired, not critical of their appearance #beautyfilter #bereal #tiktokfilter #unrealisticexpectations #beautytok
social media should make people feel connected and inspired, not critical of their appearance The beauty filter ban comes at a time where social media age restrictions are being explored more widely. TikTok is also looking into banning children under the age of 13 from the platform entirely, while Australia has just passed laws to ban under-16s from all social media.
Which TikTok Beauty Filters Will Be Banned?
Until the ban takes effect, there’s no knowing precisely which filters will be affected. So far, media has only pointed to ‘Bold Glamour‘ as one of the biggest targets. Broadly, The Guardian explained the ban would target beauty filters that “change children’s features in a way makeup cannot”. This means any filters that make your eyes bigger, nose slimmer, skin lighter or smoother, lips bigger, and just generally affect the shape and appearance of your natural features, will be banned.
Which TikTok Filters Will Remain The Same?
Playful and ‘goofy’ filters, like animal filters, will reportedly remain untouched. Similarly, the touch-up feature is likely to remain as it’s not technically a ‘filter’.
How Will TikTok Enforce The Beauty Filter Ban?
The ban depends on users having accounts registered with their real ages. So, if you’ve already told TikTok your birth year—and you’re under 18—you will no longer be able to use certain beauty filters. Of course, not everyone under 18 has ‘told’ TikTok their real age. Meanwhile, TikTok has said it is commencing a trial of smart technology that will attempt to detect if a user is under the age of 13. This is on top of existing age-detection measures, like scanning ‘happy birthday’ comments for age hints.
When Will TikTok Ban Beauty Filters For Under-18s?
The Guardian reports the beauty filter ban will come into effect before the end of 2024.
Related Articles:
- Should Social Media Beauty Filters Be Banned?
- A Dermatologist-Approved Skincare Routine For Teens
- The Australian Social Media Ban, Explained
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