SOME young people in the Wee County are beginning to question their dependence on technology during the coronavirus lockdown.

The issue was recently discussed at an Alloa youth group, which turned to the digital world in a bid to keep its offering alive while Covid-19 restrictions remained in place over the past nine weeks.

The hot topic discussion at Connect Alloa revealed that some of the young people felt they have been using technology too often in the past weeks, even though their internet-enabled devices are making sure they can stay in touch with friends and family.

And since the lockdown began, as highlighted previously, pupils have also been attending virtual classrooms – something that is likely to continue part-time in the next school term, as outlined by the Scottish Government last week.

Dave Crozier, the youth worker who kickstarted Connect Alloa more than a year ago, told the Advertiser: "We've done a hot topic recently on technology, just to let young people see other people's perspectives, take it in and think: 'How much am I actually using technology and is it for good, is it for bad?'."

While some group members said they were surprised they actually did not use technology, such as laptops or smartphones, as much as they expected going into the lockdown, others explained it is all they do since being stuck inside the house.

Dave said: "For some of them it's all they do, for some of them it's basically their whole life [now]."

It is a difficult balance to strike, then, for Connect Alloa and similar organisations.

On the one hand embracing digital technology and creating a virtual space for the young people has allowed engagement with various sessions to continue.

However, even the young people are starting to realise that they are missing that connection to the natural world or, indeed, the face-to-face group meetings they used to enjoy.

That said, Connect Alloa has stabilised its online offering and members as well as volunteers settled into a new routine since lockdown began.

The digital meetings can bring some sense of normality for the young people, according to Dave.

And recently, they have been enjoying unique Dream it Real sessions with Youth Scotland, something set to continue in the coming weeks.

The interactive sessions are aimed at making sure young people are equipped to look after themselves.

Young people in and around Clackmannanshire are all welcome to join the youth group by getting in touch with Connect Alloa on Facebook.