TikTok bans ‘legging legs’ trend over body image concerns
TikTok: janedoe0018TikTok is stepping in and cracking down on a “toxic” viral trend known as ‘legging legs’ that has taken hold of the platform.
TikTok is constantly awash with new trends taking over the platform, however, the latest has sparked mass backlash for perpetuating harmful body standards.
The hashtagged “legging legs” trend has seen young girls decide whether or not their legs fit the body type that is socially acceptable for leggings.
Slammed for being “toxic” and encouraging disordered eating, the trend is now being shut down by TikTok itself, with the platform stepping in to prevent misinformation and harmful ideals from being spread.
The trend became popular late last year but will now be banned, with users attempting to find the hashtag being instead shown information about disordered eating.
A spokesperson for TikTok Australia told news.com.au that “when people search for #legginglegs or content related to eating disorders, they are shown a pop-up with a link to the Butterfly Foundation.”
“TikTok is an inclusive and body-positive environment and we do not allow content that depicts, promotes, normalizes, or glorifies eating disorders,” the spokesperson continued.
The ban has come after many users took to the platform to call out the trend. TikTok star Mik Zazon slammed ‘legging legs’, warning her 1.7 million followers about the “toxic” ideals the trend perpetuates.
“It might be one of the most Eurocentric bulls*** beauty standards I’ve ever heard. People who have thigh gaps only have them because of their genetics, because of their bone structure, because of their hip structure,” she said.
“Now we have young girls out there who think that they were born wrong. These trends have got to stop,” Mik continued. “So freaking harmful and toxic. We have young girls right now who think that they can’t wear a wardrobe essential that is comfortable, that can be paired with so many different things because they don’t have a thigh gap.”