Pro-anorexic web sites have been in existence nearly as long as the Internet itself. But in the past they've been hard to find. Now, with the advent of social networking sites and web sites like YouTube, pro-anorexic information is getting easier to find.

"Eating disorder charities have called on social websites to look closely at their online material. Susan Ringwood, chief executive of the charity Beat, said: 'Pro-anorexic sites weren't easy to find and most responsible internet providers would cut them out. But on the networking sties there isn't the same control over them at the moment. Some of the more hardcore stuff does seem to be getting on to these sites. We are concerned that this is a trend.'"

Some disagree that the videos can trigger or support eating disorders and feel that if they're banned from YouTube, they'll simply show up again somewhere else. Read more at Technology.Timeslonline.co.uk.

Teens suffering from eating disorders or other issues can find help at a residential treatment center, like The Aspen Institute.

Labels: networking_websites, pro-ana, responsibility