Subjects: Health

With the rising phenomenon of social networking websites such as Facebook and Twitter, constant interconnectivity with friends and family is now part of daily life. But as opposed to enriching our lives, is social media just another thing for teenagers to become addicted to? Social Media can have its perks. We speak to Smoking Gun PR, a marketing company for hire to boost businesses social profiles – however, can this escalate too quickly? Martin Bryant comments on how over usage can leave society dependent on ‘checking in’ to their nearest coffee shop, rather than speaking to those they are with. Also, a variety of teens confess how many hours they tot up socialising online, but by doing so how unsociable are they actually becoming?

With a culture of drinking for a good time ingrained in British culture, is it time to question this established habit and recognise the damaging effect boozing can actually have on teenagers? Binge drinking is a relatively new cultural practise that is seen as the norm to many of Britain’s young people. But what is the point where boozing a lot becomes boozing too much?

Nintendo. X-Box. Playstation. Apps. Online Reality. Video gaming has exploded over the past 15 years, and the realism and escapism that is now on offer to teenagers can be a source of relaxation and pleasure. But this same realism and escapism can become a trap that turns carefree gamers to serious addicts.

Gambling is an addiction that is well recognised across the UK. However, with the growth of online casinos, mobile gambling and eye-catching slot machines, young people today live in a society surrounded by and encouraged to gamble. From Bingo to Blackjack, and penny slots to action on the pitch, gambling takes place anywhere and everywhere. We speak to numerous casinos & bookmakers about the younger audiences being drawn to ‘have a flutter’, including Kevin Torrington – managing director of B Lucky Casinos and Michael Crompton, a therapist who deals with the aftermaths of those lives who have been shattered by the effects of gambling.

Drug addiction has been part of human life for thousands of years. In the 21st Century, have we evolved to a point where we are effectively combating the damaging effects that drug addiction is having on our teens? Or are we still fighting a losing battle? Phillip Day, an ex Drug User, talks frankly about his experiences with numerous substances and the effect they have had on his body and lifestyle. We also speak to The Priory Hospital about the treatment types that they offer and rehabilitation options provided. As well as this, Zack Haider provides an alternative idea that drug addicts are too wrapped up in cotton wool and society is quick to make excuses for them.