Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Tógfaimid dhá nóiméad go leith an duine.

6 o’clock

A recent article published inThe Guardiannewspaper indicates how mental illness has soared among young women in England. Causes attributed to this rise include sexual violence, childhood trauma and pressures from social media. Society has changed drastically in the last number of years and the influence of social media on the lives of people is unprecedented. Due to its relatively recent emergence, one cannot definitively say what long-term effects social media will have on young people in particular. It has been widely reported that cyberbullying and constant exposure to unattainable aspirations are having a huge impact on young women and girls and also on young men and boys. It is no wonder, therefore, that a number of studies have pointed to a link between social media and depression, a very worrying correlation and one that must be explored further. We know that other factors such as the growing pressure on our young people to excel academically, poverty and family circumstance are all attributed to the rise of mental illness amongst our young people. However, with the addition of social media use as a recognised trigger for mental health issues it is important that A Vision for Change is implemented in full and immediately. We must ensure there is support to deal with the startling increase in mental health illness amongst our young people. It is absolutely vital, given the information on the situation that applies on the neighbouring island, specifically England. We are no different here. I have raised the issue of cyberbullying and young people's difficulties here repeatedly over many years. Iarraim ar na Teachtaí Dála ar fad a gcuid tacaíochta a thabhairt don rún seo. Gabhaim buíochas leo uilig.

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