The internet and digital media have become a critical tool in the lives of many people in Ireland. This is particularly the case for children and young people; most Irish children are online and many – nearly half of 9-16 year olds according to EU Kids Online – access the internet using a smartphone or other connected device.
Social media use is also pervasive: three quarters of 13-14 year olds, and 9 in 10 older teenagers use social networking sites.
While the internet provides unprecedented opportunities for everyone, young and old alike, to learn, communicate, create and share content online, it also poses risks. These risks, such as bullying and harassment and the greater accessibility of age-inappropriate or harmful content online can be particularly damaging to children and young people.
How best to protect and ensure online safety for children and young people has been subject of intense debate in recent times.
In response, in December 2013, Minister Rabbitte created an Internet Content Governance Advisory Group to consider emerging issues around internet content generally and specifically its general impact on the lives of children and young people.
Welcoming the opening of the public consultation, the Minister noted that “the vast scale and dynamic nature of content available on the internet has made it an essential tool in the daily lives of millions of Irish people. However, this dynamism and reach can pose challenges for young and old alike. Society and the State needs to continually evaluate how best to deal with this. The Group’s consultation is a major opportunity for people to contribute to the debate about online content. In particular to explore how best we protect children and young people while safeguarding freedom of speech and freedom of expression online.”
The Group has been tasked with reviewing the suitability of existing regulations, internet governance and the sharing of material online. In particular, it has been asked to produce recommendations on what should be the most appropriate relationship between internet and content providers, the State and citizens in protecting children online.
The taskforce has published a short consultation paper in order to obtain views from the general public and interested parties on the issue of internet safety. It is hoped that responses will help identify measures to help Irish society ensure the welfare of young people when using the internet.
Brian O’Neill, Dublin Institute of Technology, chair of the Group, adds:
“With near-universal internet use by young people, protecting children online and ensuring they benefit from the opportunities the internet affords has become hugely important for society. Hearing from parents and young people will be especially important in the forthcoming consultation.”
Interested parties are invited to submit their views by 5pm on February 28, 2014
Notes for Editors
1. Terms of Reference for the Internet Content Advisory Group can be found here: http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Broadcasting/ICG/Terms+of+Reference.htm
2. Link to the consultation paper and the response form http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Broadcasting/ICG/Links+and+Resources.htm
3. Other ways in which people can obtain a copy of the document, CAG14@dcenr.gov.ie or ICGAG, DCENR, 29-31 Adelaide Road, Dublin 2
4. Research on children and the interent in Ireland is available from the EU Kids Online website at: www.eukidsonline.net and at http://www.dit.ie/digitalyouth/links/