Dangers of 'pro-ana' sites highlighted in report

A study has shown there are up to 500 websites which promote eating disorders, many set up by teenagers.

Dr Emma Bond, a senior lecturer in childhood and youth studies at University Campus Suffolk, has published the report on what are often referred to as "pro-ana" sites with the eating order charity Beat.

Dr Bond says young people need to be encouraged to view the internet with a critical eye as it is impossible to police the sites.

In her report Virtually Anorexic - Where's the Harm? she makes recommendations on how education at home, in schools and universities and awareness-raising in the media will help.