Research shows that children who have access to social media are presenting behaviours consistent with internet addiction. Photograph: Yui Mok/PA
In June, a group of sixth-class students from Claremorris National School in Co Mayo were visiting Leinster House when they bumped into Tánaiste Simon Harris.
The first question they asked him was what he was going to do about a social media ban.
“It was interesting to note the amount of them in favour of it,” Mr Harris told the Dáil the next day. “It gave me a real insight into the pressure young people are feeling.”
Despite all of the social good it can do, more people are coming around to the conclusion that unfettered access to the internet is posing great risks to the health and safety of children.
Parents and schools in Ireland and elsewhere are working together to impose community-wide bans on smartphones until their children reach certain ages.
Research is demonstrating that children who have access to social media are presenting behaviours consistent with addiction to the internet.
The advent of generative artificial intelligence (AI) is increasing the risk of child abuse imagery and even more harmful and extreme content.
Gamified apps risk conditioning children to gambling.
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