Mayo TD urges parents to have their say on children’s online safety survey

A Fine Gael TD has launched a new online survey inviting parents and guardians to share their views on how best to protect children and young people in a rapidly-evolving digital world. 

Deputy Keira Keogh, the chairperson of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children and Equality said: “Our children’s digital lives are both a source of enrichment and potential threat to their wellbeing. Technology has the power to empower and connect young people, but it can also expose them to harmful influences if left unchecked.”

Deputy Keira Keogh went on to outline the need for a safe digital environment where parents can be sure that their children can learn and connect without the threats of harmful algorithms, pornography, cyberbullying, exploitation, or disinformation.

She went on to express her urge for parents to take action on the matter.

“We’re inviting parents and guardians to share their views and perspectives, through our new online survey, on how we can best safeguard children from harmful content.

"We cannot be complacent. I believe urgent action needs to be taken across the board to prevent minors being exposed to pornography, violence and other harmful content online,” She added.

The Tánaiste, Simon Harris, has suggested that the age at which children should be able to access social media should align with the digital age of consent, which is 16.

“The Online Safety Commissioner must ensure video sharing platforms and websites adhere to new rules requiring them to block adult and explicit content to under-18s. Fines for non-compliant websites must be used to ensure robust age verification mechanisms are put in place,” concluded Deputy Keogh.

The survey, which can be accessed [here],  will explore a wide range of issues, including:

• The appropriate age for young people to own smartphones and gain access to social media platforms;
• Whether mandatory age verification systems should be introduced for adult websites;
• The role of government and social media companies in addressing harmful content;
• Practical steps for educating both children and parents about safely navigating the digital world.

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