A TEENAGER who was subject to relentless bullying while at school has said social media played a big role in giving her tormentors a platform to bombard her with 24-hour abuse.

Shannon McLaughlin, from Blackburn, spoke out about her experience of social-media bullying after the Prince's Trust Youth Index revealed a number of shocking statistics about the unhealthy relationships between 16-25 year-olds and social media.

The research showed how half of young people in the North West think social media creates an overwhelming pressure to succeed, while 43 per cent felt compelled to compare themselves to others, making them feel 'inadequate'.

Shannon agreed that social media contributed to her low confidence, and felt like there was 'no escape' from the bullies who used to torment her on a daily basis.

The former Walton-le-Dale Arts and College High School pupil said: “The bullying took place over a number of years and didn’t stop when I went home from school. They would comment on my pictures and send messages on social media, so it seemed like there was no escape.

“I was feeling really isolated and low, and felt so down about it that I eventually took time off of school.”

The 18-year-old went on to say that the behaviour left her feeling extremely low and isolated. Despite the fact she was soon offered a place to study in the college, Shannon felt the need to drop out after two-weeks due to her low confidence.

It was around this time that she was told about The Prince’s Trust and decided to join their Team Programme.

She said: “Being part of the Team programme really grew my self-belief and I developed many employability skills. I also made lifelong friends and my self-esteem improved. I am now Chair of the Blackburn Youth Board and often support other young people aged 15-17, by helping them to discover what they can achieve.

“Although social media can be a platform for good, it can also be a real negative for those who lack confidence and compare themselves to others online. It can also be another route for bullies to target people.

“My advice to anyone who is going through a similar situation to mine would be to reach out to someone that you trust. Things can change for the better and it won’t always be this way.”

The Youth Index, supported by eBay, is a national survey that gauges young people’s happiness and confidence across a range of areas from their working life to physical and mental health.

The latest report – based on an online survey of 2,162 young people across the UK aged 16-25 – finds the overall Index score has flat-lined at its lowest level in a decade at 69.

Nick Stace, UK Chief Executive of The Prince’s Trust, said: “It appears that in the last 12 months nothing has happened to improve the way young people in the North West and across the UK are feeling about their lives.

"It is very sad to see the Youth Index score remain at its lowest level, and concerning that the considerable decline we saw in the Index last year has shown no recovery."