Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 May 2026
41. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport for an update on any proposals for a ban on social media for under 16’s; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32804/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSeveral Member States are each examining questions of prohibiting access by children and young people to social media platforms and some are taking steps to do so, including France, which is debating legislation to restrict access to social media for under-15s. Australia has introduced such a measure in respect of under-16s and other jurisdictions are considering similar measures. However, across the European Union there are different views on whether there should be a digital age of majority, and if there was such an age, what that age should be and whether it should be an outright ban or a ban subject to parental consent.
The Government's position on the issue of restricting access to social media platforms for children under 16 years of age is set out in the Government's National Digital and AI Strategy, Digital Ireland – Connecting our People, Securing our Future and is informed by the position that any decision on a digital age of majority would be better taken by the EU and EU Member States together. A harmonised set of rules is easier to enforce across borders.
The Government is committed to working closely with like-minded European Union member states on proposals to restrict social media access for children and young people, with 16 being our preferred age. In that regard, it is important to note that the President of the European Commission Ursula van der Leyen has established an expert panel to examine the issue, including the implementation of Australia’s social media age restriction policy. The expert group is expected to report on its findings this summer. That report will be informative and help to advance the debate in Europe as to the most appropriate approach.
