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Influencers may be giving teens misleading sexual health advice

HealthWatch: ADHD and anxiety; misleading sexual health advice; linking sugary drinks to hair loss
HealthWatch: ADHD and anxiety; misleading sexual health advice; linking sugary drinks to hair loss 02:19

BOSTON -- There is a new warning for young people who may be turning to social media for misleading sexual health advice. 

Previous studies have found that social media influencers have powerful persuasive effects on the attitudes and behavior of teens and young adults, including sexual health. 

In a study, researchers at the University of Delaware analyzed 50 YouTube posts by social media influencers with as many as 2 million followers discussing their experience with hormonal and non-hormonal birth control.  

They found inaccurate birth control advice could be putting young people at risk for unplanned pregnancies.

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