The mental health of children in Ireland may be negatively affected by use of social media sites, it has been suggested.

According to a new cyberbullying report compiled by a cross-party groups of TDs and senators, there is a need for a clampdown on cyberbullying after the Oireachtas Communications Committee carried out hearings following suicides related to this form of victimisation last year.

The report has called for updates to be made to school courses and employer guidelines in order to place greater focus on cyberbullying, while also recommending a single body be created to oversee social media regulation.

Included in the report is a submission to the committee from St Patrick's Hospital, reading: "Social media is having a negative effect on Irish child and adolescent mental health services in terms of cyberbullying, exposure to unsuitable violent and sexual material."

It also raised concerns that young people are using social media excessively and are not engaging in actual face-to-face social interactions.

Written by Donal Walsh

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