There are calls for more youth-centred facilities in the North West amid a recent study showing young teens have fewer close friends today than they did ten years ago.
The Growing Up In Ireland report by the ESRI, also showed that 13 year olds have a closer relationship with their parents now than the previous generation did a decade ago.
Other aspects of the report showed there has been an increase in sport activities, and a move away from TV to mobile phones.
James Lawlor, a youth mental health activist from Sligo, says he believes these results are caused by knock-on effects from Covid and technology.
