Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 December 2025
273. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the proposals to reduce the access of children under the age of 16 to social media; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73214/25]
View answerEuropean Union Member States are examining the question of prohibiting access by children and young people to social media platforms – the so-called “digital age of majority”.
Ireland is also considering its position on this matter. I believe that any decision would be better taken by the EU and EU Member States together and in that regard, it is important to note that the President of the European Commission Ursula van der Leyen announced that she would establish an expert panel to examine the issue, including the implementation of Australia’s social media age restriction policy and advise her on the best approach for Europe in taking next steps on social media regulation.
However, it must be acknowledged that there are differing views across the EU on various aspects, for example, as to whether there should be an age of digital majority at all, if there is one, what age it should be, or whether it should be an outright ban or a ban subject to parental consent.
It should be noted that this is a separate matter to the question of age verification, which is vital to keeping children safe online. That is why my Department is working with the Government’s Chief Information Officer and his Office to look at practical technical solutions to age verification as part of the Government's Digital Wallet being developed using MyGovID. In addressing age verification, we must seek to ensure that there are trustworthy systems in place that are interoperable and respect users’ rights, including data protection rights. I am seeking the inclusion of a commitment to this effect in the Government’s updated National Digital Strategy which will be published shortly.
I will continue to work with all stakeholders, nationally and internationally, to ensure robust safety measures, including robust age verification, are in place to protect children and young people from inappropriate, harmful and illegal online content.
