There may be support for a social media ban on young teenagers in Ireland but it is not likely to happen in the short term. Photograph: iStockAustralia’s ban on children under 16 having social media accounts is being keenly watched by parents and governments across the world. Deep linksO’Donovan’s convoluted response has, of course, to be seen in the context of our economy’s deep links to the US technology sector, and social media platforms in particular. Ireland will, according to Donovan, make online child safety a theme of our presidency of the European Union in six months’ time. Its lack of enthusiasm for taking on the issue of online child protection is understandable.

Source: The Irish Times December 17, 2025 12:01 UTC