Strictly star John Whaite bravely speaks out struggling with eating disorder
dailystar.co.ukSteph’s Packed Lunch guest and Strictly star John Whaite opened up on the show about his eating disorder and body dysmorphia, whilst discussing the impact of social media on young people.
Host Steph McGovern was joined by Sayeeda Warsi, John Whaite and Debra Stephenson on the show and the presenter began the conversation.
Steph told viewers that the Online Safety Bill is due to be released soon which covers online issues such as cyberbullying and explicit images.The bill will “make big social media companies accountable for regulating their content,” which means that bosses may face “up to two years in jail if they fail to comply”.Sayeeda went on to explain that she was involved in the bill which has been ongoing for “nearly a decade”.She explained that initially the government thought they would “leave it to the big tech companies to be more responsible,” but that move “simply hasn’t worked”.Warsi went on to say that the bill will essentially tell the companies that “if they do not clear up their act” they will be fined and prosecuted, with possible prison sentences.John gave his input and said that he doesn’t think “just young people need protection” but also “vulnerable people”.He opened up about his struggles: “Whenever I go and sit on Instagram, [I see] pictures on my explore feed of the perfect male body.
As someone who has an eating disorder and body dysmorphia, that can be very, very triggering.”The Bake-Off star went on to say that it is “paramount” children are protected but that the companies have a duty of care “over anyone”.He also said that it’s a “fact” that social media was “designed to be addictive” to the consumer.After he bravely shared his story, the other Packed Lunch guests nodded in agreement and.
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