Today news has been leaked from Facebook that states their own research has indicated that Instagram is toxic for teens, in particular girls. (link to article here at the Wall Street Journal)

Researchers inside Instagram have stood by the leaked information and confirmed some serious problems;

- 32% of teen girls said that when they felt bad about their bodies, Instagram made them feel worse.

- 1 in 3 teen girls body image issues are worsened by Instagram.

- Teens blame Instagram for increases in the rate of anxiety and depression

- Among teens who reported suicidal thoughts, 13% of British users and 6% of American users traced the desire to kill themselves to Instagram

These are horrifying stats from the company itself and this is predominantly focused on girls. I dread to think about the male statistics with the rise of muscle dysmorphia but as is commonly the case, this research doesn’t exist.

It is for this reason I thought it was a good time to update you on the #HonestyAboutEditing campaign and the actions & various support we have received to help amplify our mission.

The great news is that we have now passed the 1500 signatures. Thank you to every single one of you! I will also take this opportunity to ask you to share with your own networks, whether that be family, friends colleagues or on your social media. Every little helps and collaboration is really key to achieving here.

I also want to let you know about the various actions that have taken place and a shout out to some key supporters:

• The team at Anorexia & Bulimia Care who have supported the #HonestyAboutEditing campaign as part of their Safe Online Spaces campaign. You can take a look here
• Social Work News for their article highlighting the campaign
• Gabriella Iskra for raising awareness via the Watford Observer
• Voice of Islam Radio for my Breakfast Show slot
• The Female Lead for my article on their website
• The MyoMinds & The Full of Beans podcasts for letting me be a guest.
• Helen Garlick for inviting me to be a guest on Hello! It's better to Talk.
• Florence Nadaud at Mosaics of Life Therapies for her support.

Thank you for your continued support!

Suzanne Samaka

Email s_samaka@hotmail.com

Instagram - @ProtectYouthMentalHealth

Twitter - @SuzanneSamaka

#HonestyAboutEditing