Dear Editor,
In Ireland, where we tirelessly work to protect the wellbeing of our youth, the recent Prime Time report aired by RTÉ is alarming yet sadly expected. The investigation revealed an unnerving scenario where a seemingly innocent social media platform, TikTok, assumed its newly registered users as 13-year-olds and instantly exposed them to a detrimental barrage of mental health challenges.
We at Childline interact with distressed children every day who reveal the damaging effects of technology on their mental health, but watching the phenomenon unfold in real time was a chilling experience. From February onwards alone, we’ve had 145 children approach us about self-harm—65 of these have been regular communicators who later sought assistance for suicidal thoughts.
These figures are not just cold statistics. Each contact represents a desperate plea for help from a young individual. With these disturbing figures in hand, one can’t help but question the efforts of technology companies in providing a safe haven for our youth. Make no mistake; these entities prioritise profit-making, not child protection.
The RTÉ investigation horrifyingly uncovers how technology platforms circulate highly dangerous messages to children, who are already susceptible to their influence. It is high time an incremental solution is devised to mitigate the menace of algorithmic amplification. Comprehensive legislative measures and suitable regulations are indispensable to ensure these platforms no longer unleash harmful content towards children.
The accountability belongs to the platforms themselves for creating and executing such algorithms. Their primary focus should be the safety of their young users, not the pursuit of financial gain.
Best regards,
John Church
CEO,
ISPCC,
Dún Laoghaire,
County Dublin.