Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree 100%. It is an issue this committee has discussed over a long time and it keeps coming back to the social media platforms and the bullying that can happen on them. It amazes me that schools do not have a strict policy on the use of mobile phones in their own premises. If I had my way, no student would have a phone in school. Every school principal talks about the great policy they have and how they are on top of this, but if they wanted to make real meaningful change, and it is not as big an issue in primary schools although it is becoming one, then school principals, boards of management and chairs of boards of management should have a very strict policy on the use of mobile phones. I am not sure whether Senator Byrne would agree. In fairness to the Minister for Education, she has tried to bring all the social media platforms to the table but they do not care so long as they sell their platforms and their wares. They can talk all they like but they do not really care about bullying in or out of school, but it is a huge issue. It is great to hear young people's voices saying what they have said. It is up to school principals and boards of management to take a very strict approach on mobile phones. Many things happen in schools that would not happen if mobile phones were not as freely available.

I thank everyone for coming before the committee today to share their knowledge and research findings. Does Senator O'Loughlin wish to come in?