Education Minister Norma Foley has expressed her concern over the dearth of adequate age verification procedures on prominent social media networks. This lack of stringent checks is significantly contributing to underage students being exposed to unsuitable material such as explicit sexual content and videos promoting self-harm. Acknowledging the simple workaround of the current age limit of 13 years on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook, Ms. Foley argued that the existing verification process is ineffective.
In a letter penned to the Online Safety Commissioner, she urged the need for stricter age verification mechanisms within the new safety code for online platforms, potentially involving an amalgamation of photo IDs with submitted pictures. Ms. Foley emphasised the social media companies’ responsibility towards safeguarding the well-being of younger users.
With an expected finalisation by Autumn, Ireland’s premier online safety code will compel social media and video platforms to ensure child safety from inappropriate content. The scope of the code stretches to cover protection from cyberbullying, content promoting feeding or eating disorders, as well as content promoting self-harm or suicide. Non-compliance may result in penalties up to the tune of €20 million. As the regulator of broadcasters, on-demand services and online media, the Coimisiún na Meán is presently wrapping up the safety code.
However, companies like Meta and X have suggested that such age checks should be carried out by app stores. Ms. Foley dismissed these proposals as evasion of responsibility and deemed them unacceptable resolution methods.
Ms. Foley recalled a recent assessment of online harm for Coimisiún na Meán wherein many children confirmed their unintended exposure to explicit sexual content and self-harming material via social media. She also pointed out the additional issue of algorithms used by these sites that could further expose users to harmful, unsuitable content.
Ms Foley drew attention to the rising problem of online predators, who are now using the widespread use of smartphones by children as a new avenue for manipulation and grooming. She also remarked on the growing trend of forced self-generated explicit content involving children.
She expressed her alarm at the revelation that nearly 14,000 instances of verified child sexual abuse content had to be eradicated by Hotline.ie, Ireland’s chief platform for tackling illicit online material, in 2022. This number represents a staggering increase of over 2,500 per cent compared to 2017. The fallout of this abuse has had a devastating effect on victims, leading to various deep-seated issues such as panic disorders, depressive episodes, school difficulties, eating disorders, and a higher propensity towards suicide.
Ms Foley is actively working together with parents to endorse comprehensive school reforms that aim to curb the purchase of smartphones for children in primary school. This initiative originated in Greystones, Co Wicklow, in the previous year.
The most recent institution to implement a voluntary “no smartphone” code is Christ the Saviour National School located in Ballingarry, Co Limerick, following 93 per cent of parents’ decision to approve the policy. As per this agreement, parents pledge not to provide their children with smartphones or social media accounts until they have finished their primary education.
“By waiting until primary school is over before introducing smartphones, we hope to enable our children to concentrate on their studies, hobbies, reading, outdoor games and the development of crucial social skills,” proclaimed Gemma Brady, the head of the parent’s council.