Minister Vows To Ban Social Media Use For Under 16 Year Olds

In a strongly worded interview, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly, outlined the inappropriate material that teenagers are exposed to online and the litany of harms that can be caused to them.

He vowed to take social media companies to task over their responsibilities and he vowed to ban social media for under 16 year old.

To catch the full conversation, press the play button on this page.

If you are concerned about harms caused to your child as a result of content viewed online, you can contact:

Samaritans

Samaritans services are available 24 hours a day, for confidential, non-judgmental support.

• Freephone 116 123

• Visit www.samaritans.ie for more information

Pieta

Pieta provide a range of suicide and self-harm prevention services.

• Freephone 1800 247 247 anytime day or night

• Text HELP to 51444 (standard message rates apply)

• Visit www.pieta.ie for more information

Childline

A free 24/7 support service for children and young people up to and including those age 18 years of age.

• Freephone 1800 66 66 66

• Live chat at www.childline.ie