Warning Social Media can be dangerous for the mental health of teenagers Credit: ITV Anglia
A Reality TV star from Essex has warned that the prominence of social media could be adding pressure on teenagers
Latest research from the YMCA says more than 50 per cent of people aged 11 to 16 are influenced by what they see online.
The only Way is Essex star Lauren Goodger said platforms like Instagram have a huge influence on teenagers searching for the perfect body image.
Watch an interview with Lauren Goodger
More than 100 million photos are uploaded to Instagram everyday and 3 billions pictures taken on Snapchat a day
Research by the University of Essex found teenagers who spend five hours a day on social media are at greater risk of depression.
For girls it increases the risk of low self-esteem and body image concerns by 50 percent. For boys, it's 35 per cent.
Three years ago Becki Weeks from Norwich was obsessed with her appearance
Amelia Weeks with mum Emily Credit: ITV Anglia
Now younger sister Amelia is starting to show signs of insecurity. At just eight years old Amelia is already concerned about her image
Deidre Sanders Credit: ITV Anglia
Deidre Sanders from Cambridgeshire works as an agony aunt for The Sun Newspaper and ITV's This Morning. She's worried about the pressures on children
The charity YMCA says, 52% of eleven to sixteen-year olds are influenced by what they see on social media, while 58% said the pressure to look perfect comes from celebrities like The Only Way is Essex star Lauren Goodger
Watch an interview with Dr Alex from Love Island
Lauren found fame on the show in 2010 and she admits it has had a direct influence on teenagers in Essex
Warning Social Media can be dangerous for the mental health of teenagers Credit: ITV Anglia
Physiologist say the unrealistic expectations of social media promotes a "compare and despair" attitude in young people
