An exploration of the online and offline social networks of post primary school pupils in Northern Ireland and their relationship with subjective wellbeing

The thesis aimed to investigate the relationship between social networks (both offline and online) and adolescent subjective wellbeing. This was done in three ways: - firstly, a systematic literature review was conducted to examine the current literature exploring the association between subjective wellbeing and adolescent social networks.

Secondly, a quantitative analysis using secondary data was undertaken to investigate the relationship between friendship networks, social media use and the subjective wellbeing of 13-year-old pupils in 77 post primary schools in Northern Ireland. Finally, the thesis conducted focus groups with pupils, teachers, and parents in three post-primary schools in Northern Ireland. The focus groups explored the impact that using social media can have on adolescent subjective wellbeing and how the use of social media is being addressed at home and at school.