“We urgently need to protect our children” - Mayo TD Keira Keogh
Deputy Keira Keogh today welcomed the publication of a report by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), commissioned by digital safety organisation BlockW.
The report sheds new light on the increasingly complex relationship between children, digital technology, and wellbeing — and calls for a coordinated response to address growing risks.
“This important report confirms what many parents and educators already suspect — our children’s digital lives are both a source of enrichment and a potential threat to their wellbeing,” said Deputy Keogh.
“We now have a clearer picture of how digital technology can help or harm, depending on how it is used. It's time for action — for policy that puts children’s safety and mental health at the centre of our digital future.”
The research, conducted by the ESRI’s Behavioural Research Unit, examines how digital technology affects school-aged children and adolescents, the challenges faced by parents, and the types of interventions needed to protect young users in a rapidly evolving digital world.
Deputy Keogh has been actively campaigning alongside the Tánaiste to compel social media giants to enforce the digital age of consent through age verification.
The key findings from the report are as follows: Wellbeing at stake: Digital platforms offer clear benefits — from learning and creativity to emotional support and play.
But overuse, especially of some social media and gaming platforms, is linked to poorer wellbeing outcomes.
The effects vary based on age, gender, social environment and family income.
Parents are the primary gatekeepers to online safety, but many are overwhelmed by their own screen time and the pace of digital change.
Stated Deputy Keogh: "The report warns against an overreliance on parental controls, which can backfire if not paired with communication and trust.
"Protecting children online cannot fall on families alone. The ESRI recommends age-appropriate content controls, strong age verification, and collaborative efforts between parents, educators, technology companies and government.
“Underage users are being exposed to harmful content, including violence, hate speech, misogyny, self-harm and sexually explicit material,” Deputy Keogh stressed.
“We need grass roots campaigns like ‘parent pacts’, education and legislation.”
The report’s lead author, Dr. Celine Fox, stressed the urgency of further research:
“Digital technologies are evolving faster than our understanding of their long-term impacts. We need more precise data to guide effective policy and support systems for families navigating the digital age.”
“We cannot leave parents to navigate this alone,” Deputy Keogh said. “We owe it to our children to build a safer, healthier digital world — and that starts with evidence-based policy and leadership.”