Dear Reader,
I concur wholeheartedly with the sentiments expressed by Ronan Ó Fathaigh in his recent letter (September 5th). His emphasis on the significance of youth voices in the dialogue around online safety and technological matters aligns perfectly with my own views. This was in response to a report issued by CyberSafe Kids, an enterprise that employs tremendous efforts in engaging children on such pivotal matters.
In the course of our extensive dialogues around the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act, as well as other relevant concerns relating to social media, the Media Committee of Oireachtas engaged multiple times with young people. Their input provided invaluable insights into their aspirations and apprehensions. This proved to be a vital catalyst in shaping our legislative approach.
Following these deliberations, it was suggested that the new commission (Coimisiún na Meán) should include a Youth Advisory Committee. This suggestion was met with great enthusiasm by the Media Minister, Catherine Martin, and hastily implemented by the commission. The committee comprises of at least 50% of members aged below 25, and individuals who are actively involved in work related to young people.
When discussions about technological usage in schools arise, organisations like the Irish Second Level Students’ Union should be given a platform. Several youth organisations are employing technology to create more inclusive societies for young individuals — Foróige’s Digital Youth Work programme being a remarkable example. Young people’s entries in competitions like the BT Young Scientist and Technology Competition and the Young Social Innovators, which frequently coincide with technology and social media, serve as sources of inspiration.
Without a doubt, such initiatives and feedback from children and young adults help shape legislations. It is critically important for this choir of voices to be heard by tech companies. While there are commendable programs such as Google’s Growing Up in the Digital Age, it is universally acknowledged that further efforts are required.
Signed sincerely,
Senator MALCOLM BYRNE,
Fianna Fáil,
Gorey.
The Minister of Health, Stephen Donnelly, has spearheaded the establishment of an online taskforce, aimed at addressing the negative impacts of certain online activities on youngsters. The taskforce is set to devise a public health response, and while the development of safeguarding measures against harmful online content for children is deemed vital and overdue, equal emphasis should also be placed on legislation to curb the online marketing of unhealthy foods to children.
The taskforce comprises of 12 members, who are experts in areas like public health, data analytics, digital media, mental health, human rights, education and behavioural science. However, it’s unfortunate that the taskforce lacks a specialist in childhood obesity, implying a potential neglect of this critical aspect in their efforts to safeguard other areas of children’s wellbeing.
The lack of attention towards this is particularly disheartening considering the alarming rates of childhood obesity. Food advertisements significantly alter children’s food preferences and behaviours. They mould children’s attitudes towards food, what they ask their parents to purchase, and what they buy with their own money. Moreover, they have an immense impact on children’s dietary choices.
Advertisements are not merely about promoting purchases – they are about creating a certain image and influencing emotional responses. Children are being constantly exposed to marketing tactics promoting unhealthy foods, making them vulnerable to detrimental influences.
The online taskforce has a challenging task ahead and holds a significant opportunity to make solid recommendations to shield children’s online presence. The regulation of social media is one pressing priority, but during this era of sky-high rates of childhood obesity, the focus on online junk food advertising shouldn’t be sidelined.
— Dr CATHERINE CONLON,
(Ex-Director of human health and nutrition, Safefood),
Cork.