The volume of complaints made against MLAs for using offensive language is "alarming", a Stormont watchdog has said.
Assembly standards commissioner Dr Melissa McCullough said complaints particularly related to remarks made by some MLAs on social media platforms.
Dr McCullough said there is a "distinct need to increase public trust in the Assembly".
She has made recommendations in an effort to raise standards in how MLAs choose their words "to avoid unnecessary hurt and set the bar much higher".
The commissioner's office, which investigates alleged breaches of the code of conduct for MLAs, received 123 complaints between April 2020 and March 2021.
Most related to 'unreasonable and excessive personal attack', and 'conduct in relation to operating in the public interest at all times'.
Of the 123 complaints, 74 were from members of the public and 49 from MLAs themselves, but 56 were ruled inadmissible as they did not meet the criteria.
The details are contained in Dr McCullough's first annual report since being appointed last September to the role, which had remained vacant for three years during Stormont's collapse after the RHI scandal.
A backlog of dozens of complaints made during the three-year hiatus has been cleared.
Dr Melissa McCullough said: "I am concerned about the number of complaints I have received and continue to receive which relate to offensive language used by some MLAs, especially on social media platforms.
"Whilst politicians are afforded enhanced protection relating to political speech under Article 10 Freedom of Expression, the volume of complaints that relate to offensive language is alarming.
"I believe work can be done to raise standards in relation to what MLAs say, and how they say it, to avoid unnecessary hurt and set the bar much higher.
"I have already made some recommendations on how that might be addressed.
"Since taking up this post in September 2020, it is apparent to me that there is a distinct need to increase public trust in the Assembly, and politics in general, and that is why we need to continually promote and ensure the highest standards in public life as a central way to build that trust."
The commissioner said she intends to enhance the watchdog's online presence and streamline complaints and case-handling procedures.
On the conclusion of investigations, the commissioner sends her reports to the Assembly standards committee which determines what sanction MLAs may receive.
Legislation which came into effect in March has extended the commissioner's role to consider complaints of alleged contravention of the ministerial code of conduct.
Dr McCullough said this new function is "unique" to Northern Ireland among the UK jurisdictions and will require engagement with Stormont ministers to enhance their knowledge of the code and the processes for considering complaints.
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