The general conclusion was that it was social media that was responsible for its recent increase. 

But that’s only part of the story.

The facts are that:

And this is occurring in the classroom and playground, not via social media.

This is a societal problem that is simply not being properly addressed.

IN response to Dr Gareth Koch’s statements in the story (The Examiner, January 8) where he failed to mention several things.

Firstly, the said trees were in poor health and had become overgrown with ivy and blackberry which had intertwined over most of the inside of the trees putting their long-term health at risk.

This had occurred after years of obvious neglect from both council and TasNetworks who were both consulted about the trees several times over the past two years.

The undergrowth at the base of the trees had become a tangled mess of ivy and blackberry and was a haven for rats, rubbish and dead wildlife. The trees are stand alone, no others are within close proximity and have become overgrown under some major overhead wires and small substation posing a fire risk to surrounding properties.

The trees will respond well to a harsh pruning and will ensure a prolonged, healthy life for them into the future.

WHILE I weep at the sight of the Silo Hotel, along the wharf, for now, seabirds are nesting in the timbers of the standing pylons and native hens nest on the foreshore.

Lone Shady tree, for now, apart from the occasional overhead flight of a chopper, this tree is a place of solitude and shade for local wildlife, local people and tourists.

While Kings Wharf may be fixed in the future we cannot fix nature that lives within it.

It’s so easy to continually explain away the significance of natural and cultural heritage in an attempt to destroy it for profit, progress or fear. Even now the occasional overhead chopper flight disturbs the nature and solitude of Kings Wharf. What of the possible future public land in the area?

Will it be primarily rich local, rich international, public land, with lots of yachts where the native hens now nest?

More choppers flying over Lone Shady tree and the wharf where, for now, stand timber pylons, home to generations of nesting birds.

Or do we, the public, address the local imbalance of wealth and power, protect what’s left of this little oasis in the desert of steel and cement, for primarily the local public, rich and poor, of this beautiful city and its suburbs, and tourists to quietly embrace the solitude of nature.

WHEN it comes to energy issues, and the measures people can take to reduce their ever-escalating power bills, the argument for renewable options has never been stronger.

So it's disappointing that both state and local governments are failing to keep up with public opinion.

It's pretty clear the argument for renewables has been won, with more and more people choosing to have solar panels installed. The industry is booming.

So when is the City of Launceston council, indeed all of Tasmania's councils going to catch up? Surely it's time for a major overhaul of outdated planning legislation to better reflect today's environment and public expectations.

In the 21st century, it should be mandatory for all new builds to include the installation of solar panels. Planning applications that fail to do so should be rejected.

WHY are households charged so much for the so-called supply and energy charges by Aurora Energy - $250 per quarter.

Fixed or service charges, full-fixed water charges.

That is $2000 a year on top of your utility bills.

Take a closer look at your next paper bills.

The charges are daylight robbery at a max.

Shame on the state politicians on both sides of the political fence for allowing these daylight-robbery charges to continue.

CAN any organisation responsibly and legally describe an illicit pill as safe?  

Surely by definition illicit substances are unsafe and individuals and/or government risk culpability in the event of any erroneous response.  

Perhaps this might be a new income stream for dealers.