Tom Neville (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their submissions. I was very struck by the submission from Ms Reynolds on mental health. I am a member of the committee on mental health and I do a lot of campaigning and work in this area. A number of years ago, the social media trends which the witnesses are articulating with regard to younger people and teenagers were happening for adults, with regard to pressure to look and be the best and the manifestation of a perfect lifestyle on social media. This was kicking in for adults in 2011 and 2012. I do not know whether it is still happening because we are maturing as users of social media.

It was probably also happening at that time for younger people but I am basing that on my own anecdotal experience. As I have said at this committee, social media holds dangers for young people, as does life offline, but there are also huge benefits to social media, in particular in regard to community. Anything in which I am involved in the area of the arts, in particular with community-led organisations, involves social media. Organisations such as Comhairle na nÓg probably use Facebook groups to say when something is on and who is going or interested, which is an example of the benefits of social media. The witnesses have said that they are here to articulate their concerns, which the committee is taking on board. What are their views on the point raised by Deputy Sherlock regarding the restriction and use of social media? Should certain sites or activities be unavailable or banned for children under a certain age or, rather, should we continue to educate and make people aware of potential dangers? It would be interesting to hear the views of people of the witnesses' age group on the issue.