Sir, – In a piece with rather spectacular and generalised claims, Chris Johns ("Social media causes grave damage and must be regulated", November 24th) represents another clamour for "regulating" social media.
This area requires a long-term approach that most do not want to hear.
Concerning young people, this includes the upskilling of parents and school staff at a local, community and technological level. Reporting abuse, taking cues from peer role models, signposting those at risk of suicide to appropriate services and finally, a social media curriculum designed by and for young people, are steps that should be encouraged.
All of this takes time and money, which does not fit the knee-jerk narrative amongst current proponents of regulation.
Mr Johns complained that Government reports are often shelved.
Did he take the time to read last year's report, Addressing the Growth of Social Media and tackling Cyberbullying by the Joint Committee on Transport and Communications? – Yours, etc,
BARRY MURPHY,
Lusk,
Co Dublin