Cabinet to receive update on possibility of banning social media for under-16s

By Cillian Sherlock, Press Association

An update on whether a ban on social media for under-16s is possible is expected at Cabinet next week, the Tánaiste has said.

EU member states are examining restricting young people’s access to social media platforms.

Simon Harris has previously expressed support for the consideration of such a ban for child protection purposes, with the Department of Communications reportedly considering an EU-wide approach more preferable than Ireland taking action alone.

The Tánaiste said the Minister for Communications will advise Government “in the time ahead” as to what is “possible under European legislation”, with an update to Cabinet expected next week.

Speaking on Friday, Mr Harris said: “The Government has obligations when it comes to child protection, and there are real concerns from parents in Ireland – and not just in Ireland – about child safety on the internet.

“Now, companies will have their own various policies in relation to this, but I do think we live in a country where there’s a digital age of consent, and that should matter.

“And my views in relation to this are well known. I’m very supportive of the idea of social media being restricted to people above a certain a certain age. I think that would be a significant support to parents.

“I think it would be a significant support in relation to child protection.

Mr Harris added: “From the companies’ perspectives, I would say this: the key to any business model is having certainty, is having clarity, and then having stability.

“Obviously, Ireland will be governed in many ways by some of the EU legislation in this space too and the infrastructure that that provides.”