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flag UK children face harmful online ads for weight loss, skin lighteners, and cosmetic products, harming self-esteem and health, report says.

flag Children in England are routinely exposed to online ads for harmful appearance-changing products like weight loss drugs, skin lighteners, and cosmetic treatments, a report by Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza reveals. flag Surveying 2,000 teens aged 13 to 17, it found 78% felt these ads harmed their self-esteem, 41% saw banned prescription weight loss drugs, and Black children were more likely to encounter skin lightening ads. flag Over half saw diet or weight-loss product ads, and 8% had tried non-prescription pills, with some reporting health issues. flag The report urges urgent updates to the Online Safety Act, stronger enforcement of age restrictions, and a safer online environment designed to protect youth.

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