With teenagers suffering from low self esteem, depression, increased stress, lack of sleep and more damaging illnesses. The media is having a damaging effect to teenagers from ages 12 to 18.

Studies show that spending just 3 hours on social media everyday can put teens at a higher risk of adopting a mental health illness. About 13% of ages 12-17 report depression and 25% of ages 18-25 report mental illness. These age groups can be using social media for over 3 hours a day.

When asked, Ruby Hummel a student at King Alfreds academy in Wantage stated "I think social media is bad as it is corrupting our minds. Generations before us went outside to play games with friends, however this generation are always indoors and on devices." To follow up on this Laura Chandler, a local citizen in Wantage also expressed " Social media seems to be a hub for nasty people to get their kicks tormenting other people and unfortunately suicides are not uncommon."

Developement of teens brain and mental stability matters. Since smartphones were released, symptoms such as major depression increased by 52% from 2005-2007. Between 2012 and 2015, boy's reports of depression increased by 21% and girls by 50% which only developed. Horrifically, suicidal rates increased up to 150% and self harm nearly tripled in girls aged only 10-14. Yet Studies show that 25% of teens agree social media is bad.

Smartphones opened up a range of ways to connect around the world. Unfortunately, the risks are increasing with teens getting mentally hurt. Although the risks are obvious and can be noticed as it is a world wide crisis, it is almost impossible to prevent. However before handing a child or teen a smartphone by informing the child of the dangers, there may be a chance of preventing such damage to an individual.