Google Permits Minors to Remove Unwanted Images on Search

Date

29.10.21
by Fiona Yassin

A new tool announced by Google this week will allow anyone under the age of 18, or their parent or guardian, to request the removal of their images from Search results.

The company announced the change in a bid to “give minors more control over their images in Google Search”.

In the company’s blog, Danny Sullivan said: “While we already provide a range of options for people seeking to remove content from Search, we know that kids and teens have to navigate some unique challenges online, especially when a picture of them is unexpectedly available on the internet.”

As a result of the policy, minors, or someone acting on their behalf, can submit a request for removal to be reviewed.

If the request is successful, these images will no longer appear in the Images tab or as thumbnails in any feature in Google Search.

“We believe this change will help give young people more control over their digital footprint,” Google says.

Fiona Yassin is the founder and clinical director at The Wave Clinic. She is a U.K. and International registered Psychotherapist and Accredited Clinical Supervisor (U.K. and UNCG).

Anorexia Nervosa and Borderline Personality Disorder in Kuwait: When and Where Should Parents Reach Out for Help?

5 March 2025

Mental health disorders like anorexia nervosa and borderline personality disorder are common among young people in Kuwait. For parents, seeing a young person face challenges in their mental health can cause stress, anxiety, sadness, and frustration. It’s not easy to know how to act or when to reach out for support.

Young diverse friends walking on the street

Prepubescent Anorexia – Why Diagnosis in Under 14s is Rising

1 March 2025

Identifying and treating anorexia as soon as possible is crucial to effective treatment and recovery. Without timely treatment, children can experience serious and long-term harm to their mental and physical health. This means that it’s really important to look out for the signs of anorexia in pre-teens as well as adolescents and seek professional support if there are any concerns.

young male teenager sitting outdoors, faraway look symbolizing loneliness, depression, angst

Loneliness and Eating Disorders: Exploring the Connection

27 February 2025

Social isolation and loneliness may cause young people to become more inward-focused and preoccupied with their body shape and weight. Meaningful social relationships are important in creating a sense of perspective and self-worth. Relationships help young people understand the many ways they are valuable and emphasise their hobbies and passions. Without these relationships, it’s easier for disordered eating attitudes and behaviours to dominate a young person’s life.