SOCIAL media could be “amplifying and exacerbating” violent crime among young people, according to a new report.

Youngsters across Bolton said they felt fewer consequences for things they do online but a constant peer pressure and a difficulty in letting go of conflicts because of the unrelenting presence of social media.

It follows a report by social enterprise group, The Innovation Unit, which was commissioned by police and council leaders.

Investigators spoke to 350 young people, youth workers and parents and found an increase in violent crime across Greater Manchester, with social media highlighted as a key factor.

The report says: “Social media is viewed as having a significant influence on violent crime in Greater Manchester, and on young people’s involvement in violence in particular.

“Though it may not be a direct cause, social media is seen as having amplified, facilitated and exacerbated aggressive and violent conflict.”

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One the individuals interviewed was a teacher from Bolton, who said: “Ten years ago things were very different.

“The influence and pressure social media has caused cannot be underestimated - it is the top reason why serious violent crime has increased.

Worryingly, many parents said they felt a lack of control or ability to supervise their children’s use of applications like Snapchat, WhatsApp, Twitter, Facebook and even YouTube.

This was put down to a lack of technological ability as well as the perceived “addictive nature” of these apps.

One anonymous parent said: “We can barely cope ourselves as adults and we have the life skills to deal with phones.

“How are we expecting 11-year-olds to cope?”

There was also a noted increase in concerns about “toxic masculinity” spread by social media pressures and driving violence.

In addition to the pressure felt by young people, social media was also found to be having a more practical impact on violence.

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For example, videos or pictures of attacks were seen circulating through messages among networks of people online and illegal drugs and weapons were also being bought and sold.

The investigators also noted a stark impact on gang culture in places like Bolton.

According to the report, bigger organised crime groups are now being superseded and replaced by “a large number of smaller groups” whose allegiances often shift on a daily basis.