Plan for smartphones dials down danger for children – Seery Kearney

Give parents and children the right tools they need to stay safe online, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

The investment in the Keeping Childhood Smartphone Free initiative is a component of a wider strategy to shield children from the escalating dangers of digital exposure.

Senator Mary Seery Kearney, Seanad Spokesperson on Children, Disability, Equality, Integration & Youth, stated:

“I am deeply encouraged by the Government’s decisive actions towards enhancing online safety in Budget 2025. Earlier this year, my discussions with Coimisiún na Meán focused on their pivotal role in transforming the online environment into a fortress of safety for all users.

“The Online Safety Summit this year was a turning point, bringing together leading experts to confront the severe threats looming over our children online.

“We are laying the foundation for robust infrastructure, including the establishment of an Online Safety Commissioner and the implementation of stringent Online Safety Codes. These measures are designed to strictly hold platforms accountable and shield our young users from harm.

“A fundamental pillar of our strategy is the enforcement of the digital age of consent. We are steadfast in our resolve that no child below the age of consent should be able to create a social media account without explicit parental consent.

“This is a critical measure to prevent premature exposure to social media, which often leads to cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and other online risks.

“Cyber Safe Kids’ recent report, Left to their own devices, reveals a troubling reality—children as young as 11 owning smartphones and actively engaging on social media.

“The risks are not hypothetical, they can be immediate and damaging. Cyber Safe Kids plays a crucial role in guiding families on how to combat these threats.

“The summit unequivocally highlighted that our children encounter harmful content far too early, which can have devastating impacts on their development and safety. The Government is not just responding– we are taking charge with concrete actions to make the digital landscape safer for youth.

“The allocation for the Keeping Childhood Smartphone Free initiative is more than just funding—it is a demonstration of our commitment to eliminating the risks associated with unregulated digital access.

“This initiative will equip parents and children with the knowledge and tools to safely navigate the complexities of the online world.” Senator Seery Kearney concluded.