Balanced approach needed surrounding teens accessing social media

Teens shouldn't be prevented from using social media and instant messaging platforms according to a local student.

Alena Healy Llyod from Castlerea Community School believes that technology and smart phones are intrinsically linked to our lives. She says that preventing teens from accessing these services is not the right move.

Technology Companies have been called on to do more to better protect their users as WhatsApp lowers the minimum age for users from 16 to 13 from this week.

It says a number of underage children are using the app - last year its data showed it was 39 per cent of 8 to 12 year-olds. Alena believes access should be balanced with parental supervision and communication.