Mayo parents to host information evening on children and smartphones

Parents and guardians from across Achill are being invited to attend the Achill Smartphone Free Childhood information evening on Monday, February 23.

Taking place at 7:30 pm at Ted’s Bar in Achill, the free community event is set to bring together national voices, local experience, and frontline insight to help families navigate the challenges of smartphones, social media, and online safety. 

The event has been organised by a newly formed group of 20 parents from across the parish. The evening aims to provide guidance and a supportive space.

Speakers will address key concerns facing families today and offer constructive ideas for parents at all stages of the journey, including those whose children already have smartphones or access to social media.

Deputy Keira Keogh, Chair of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children, will discuss the national conversation around young people and smartphones.

Planet Youth Mayo coordinator Emmet Major will present insights from youth research, while Community Garda Shane Nallen will highlight online safety issues seen locally. Hilary O’Connor will share her experience of a community-led smartphone-free childhood initiative in Westport.

READ MORE: Mayo Garda Youth Awards launched to honour young community leaders

A survey conducted by the group in Achill before Christmas found that 93 percent of parents do not believe children in national schools should have a smartphone.

Recent Planet Youth Mayo research among 1,397 Transition Year and Fifth Year students across 29 schools found that 78 percent of young people had a smartphone by age 12, with 83 percent keeping it in their bedroom at night and 67 percent spending three hours or more daily on social media.

Low mental well-being scores increased significantly among heavier social media users.

Nationally, a Fine Gael Online Safety survey of more than 2,200 parents found that 89 percent believe social media should be off limits until age 16, while 83 percent say they lack sufficient tools or information to protect their child online.

Admission to the event is free, and more information is available on Achill Smartphone Free Childhood on Facebook.

READ MORE: New An Post stamp showcases Mayo's Aran Woollen Mills sweater