Photograph: Leon Neal/Getty ImagesChildren and young people face a “truly toxic online landscape” due to the mix of certain features of social media apps, algorithms and the ubiquity of smartphones, doctors have warned. Prof Matthew Sadlier, vice-president and chair of the consultants’ committee of the medical organisation, said social media apps offer easy access to unconnected users, including children. “We are living in an age of almost non-existent social media regulation, which has created a truly toxic online landscape. “It is ironic that, having been marketed as useful, positive platforms to stay connected with friends and family, social media apps are exposing young people to a wide range of harms including addictive algorithms, sexual violence and gambling,” Sadlier added. “The Government must act to safeguard people from this type of content by introducing far stricter online regulation.

Source: The Irish Times March 20, 2026 20:45 UTC