Jessica Alba calls for an end to gun violence at Teen Choice Awards

There was a sombre turn at this year's Teen Choice Awards when Jessica Alba took to the stage calling for an end to gun violence.

The actress was joined on stage by a group of teenagers who were related to recent shooting victims in America.

"It keeps happening, and it has to stop," Alba said.

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The awards are usually a fun place for young people to celebrate their favourite pop culture celebrities, but Alba used it as a platform for change this year.

The 35-year-old was joined on stage by singer Ne-Yo and 10 teenage family members of gun violence victims - the speech brought the audience to tears.

Alba asked everyone to help stop gun violence, to "stop the violence."

Alton Sterling's son was on stage. The 15-year-old has had a big voice in campaigning to end police brutality and in protesting for peace.

Alba's speech furthered his campaign - putting a call to action to viewers asking them to share photos and use the hashtag #StopTheViolence.

Many took to Twitter in response to Alba's request.

While the celebrations continue so too will the hashtag and campaigning by Alba, these family members and online users, to stop the violence.