My daughter KILLED HERSELF after reading about it online

Judy Thomas and her husband Andy are now fighting for safer internet access in schools

-  ANNA VERD

As the use of smartphones and tablets continues to grow, children can often be found glued to a screen, scrolling through social media.

But without strict online safety measures in place, this behaviour can – for young people in particular – be a cause for concern.

Studies show that teenagers who use social media more than three times a day are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. Excessive use can disrupt sleep, cause distraction and expose teens to bullying and unrealistic views.

But, most shockingly, it’s reported that girls who use social media for at least two hours a day are at an increased risk of suicide.

Judy Thomas, 64, knows the devastating effect unregulated online use can bring, after her daughter Frankie tragically took her own life. Here she shares her heartbreaking story with Woman.

‘WHY WEREN’T THERE SAFETY MEASURES IN PLACE?’

Frankie was my only child. She was diagnosed with high-functioning autism in 2008, aged five, and although she struggled in social situations, she was intelligent and funny. She was adventurous, too – she loved to climb and enjoyed windsurfing and going on the scary rides at theme parks. To me and my husband, Andy, she was our world.

Although Frankie attended a mainstream primary school, we knew she’d struggle with the crowded environment of a secondary school. So, aged 12, in April 2016, she went to a special educational needs school, where we felt confident she’d be well looked after.