Mayo TD urges parents to have their say in survey on children’s online safety
A Mayo 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, chairperson of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children and Equality, said: “Our children’s digital lives are both a source of enrichment and a 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.
“We in Fine Gael understand the need to maintain 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.
"That’s why 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.”
She added: “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.
"A recent study conducted in the United Kingdom found that one in ten children has viewed pornography by the age of nine, with half the respondents seeing it by the age of 13. That is absolutely shocking. The content to which children are exposed in these formative years has been proven to trigger sexual aggression and impact stability for future relationships.
“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.
“Fine Gael is calling for greater accountability for social media companies when harmful content on their platforms reaches children and young people. We need robust policies and legislation to ensure that those companies take real responsibility for the safety of our children online.”
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.