The UK advertising watchdog says Adverts for cosmetic surgeries targeting under-18s will be banned from May next year.

UNITED KINGDOM – The Committee for Advertising Practice (CAP) has announced that companies can no longer advertise Cosmetic surgery procedures such as breast enhancements and nose jobs across media that will appeal to under-18s.

These ads are not to be placed on TV programmes and social media content that are aimed directly at under-18s.

There have previously been no restrictions on advertising to children and young people. Although It is illegal to perform cosmetic procedures on people who are under 18s.

The decision comes after a consultation by the Committee for Advertising Practice (CAP), which writes the rules that all UK advertisers have to follow.

The harm of advertising Cosmetic surgery or cosmetic changes to children and young people cannot be understated. These ads have the potential to contribute to body image pressures and mental health issues in young people, as well as the risks and potential complications from undergoing procedures.

CAP director Shahriar Coupal said:

“Because of the inherent risks of cosmetic intervention procedures, and the potential appeal of these services to young people struggling with body confidence issues, it’s important we set the bar necessarily high in terms of marketing.”

The Committee said evidence contributed to an “ever clearer picture” that children and young people are vulnerable to body image pressures.

The ban also covers dermal fillers and skin rejuvenation treatments such as injectable treatments, chemical peels and laser or light treatments and teeth whitening products