Overview

• A Guardian investigation reviewed 100 top-trending #mentalhealthtips TikToks and found 52 contained misleading or inaccurate advice.
• Content analysts highlighted ‘quick fix’ solutions and vague personal anecdotes that misrepresent conditions like PTSD and anxiety.
• Psychiatrists caution that trivializing serious mental illness with soundbite tips may increase harm for users seeking support.
• Labour MPs including Chi Onwurah and Victoria Collins have called for updates to the Online Safety Act to compel platforms to tackle harmful health misinformation.
• TikTok says it works with the World Health Organization and NHS to promote reliable information and remove 98% of harmful content before user reports.