In an effort to resist the negative impact that unhealthy media images are having on the self-esteem of young television viewers, the Spanish government has banned broadcasters from airing ads for cosmetic surgery, slimming products and beauty products before 10 p.m.

A March 9 article on the website www.plus-size-tall.com provided the following details about the legislation:

The law basically does not allow adverts that encourage over emphasis on body image and that have a negative impact on self worth. The original proposal included a ban on adverts for low calorie food but this was rejected.

The aim of this ban is to reduce the amount of teenagers affected by mental issues such as anorexia and bulimia. However, Spanish series on the TV also affect teenagers as they portray young skinny women who teenagers aspire too.

In Spain, success and good looks are firmly linked and as a result Spain produces the most amount of aesthetic surgeries in Europe. This has become known as "cult of the body."

Labels: media_influences, legislation

Posted By: Aspen/CRC