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Chiedza Matenga
For some time now, we have known drugs to be the only addiction that most teens suffer from. But is it the only addition that we can fall prey to? At the moment the most addictive object for teens is the internet accessed via mobile.  Google, WhatsApp, WeChat, Viber and a whole lot of other applications are just too demanding.

In one of his songs urban grooves artiste Nox chides his girlfriend for always being on WhatsApp even at four in the morning.
Some teens actually brag about being always online because it shows that they can afford to buy airtime to stay connected 24/7.

In class, crossing the road, while talking to other people and even in church, teens are always on their cellphones. Clearly a lack of concentration and divided attention is found when teens are glued to these gadgets. Of course, adults ask about it, the excuse is that one is searching for information relating to school work.

But what you might think of as style could have grown into an addiction while you were not watching. It is important for you to time yourself and find out how many hours you spend on your mobile each day. If it is more than three hours combined then you may have a reason to worry.

Before you declare yourself an addict you need to analyse what you spend your time on. Is it mere social interaction? Is any of that time dedicated to self-improvement like general knowledge, research on opportunities and your academic subjects?

In the adult world it looks like sex videos are now the in thing. Leaks of these tapes have become common place. Even people who should be positive role models like pastors are being exposed for watching such stuff.

So it is only natural for teens to also get in the game because that is what everyone else is doing, right? Wrong! Because your morals and principles are a personal matter and have nothing to do with what the next person may be doing. Studies have shown that teens exposed to sex material like porn on the internet become aroused and are likely to be involved in sexual abuse as perpetrators or victims. Such teens are also likely to become sexually active at an early stage and risk dangers like STIs, HIV and unwanted pregnancies.

There is also the possibility that you could develop sexual addiction in addition to always wanting to watch pornography. And do not lie to yourself that it is cool to sleep around because it is not, and you know it.

One of the key sexual reproductive health rights that teens have is the right to protect their reputation. But if you are known for being addicted to sex and pornography how can you protect yourself? Remember that you will not be a teen forever. One day you will be an adult and want to settle down.

Would anyone want a husband or wife who is always playing with their phone and does not have time for anything else? And what about your goals in life? Are you going to be rich, successful and famous from playing on the phone? Not unless you are developing a new application.