Our visit to BBC Radio Solent (by Kieran, Jake and Hannah)

On Thursday, March 2015 we went on a visit to BBC Radio Solent and appeared on the Breakfast programme with Julian Clegg. Our chosen topic was on social media and the the positives and negatives of this on teenagers' lives.

Many questions were posed from Julian surrounding social media and how it affects us individually and collectively. One question brought up was “Do you think it should be down to social media to put in age restrictions as a pose to the user?” which many people have debated about. 

ASA (Advertising Standards Authority) have recently conducted a survey around the issue and have found out 83% of children aged between 11-15 have lied about their age on Facebook and other websites containing communication. We all had different opinions on the age that social media sites should restrict access and/or usability. Kieran said, “In my opinion around 10 would be the preferred age limit”, Jake and Hannah suggested 12 as the appropriate age.

Another question proposed was “What are your final thoughts on the social media issues?” This was answered enthrallingly by the three of us. Jake suggested that social media has no real dangers, provided that users are clearly informed about safe use of the software and the available privacy options. Hannah agreed that people should be taught about their online behaviour and the dangers it can create, but Kieran disagreed and said about how if used for its intended purpose then is one of our generation’s most powerful tools.

Mixed thoughts overall on how ‘dangerous’ social media can be considered and if it’s more useful than problematic.

After meeting with Julian Clegg we were invited to a tour around the BBC Radio Solent operating centre to explore the journalistic input to the show as well as archives and other media outputs such as TV. It was an enthralling experience.

            

More can be heard at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02ksjc9#auto