13. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the actions being taken to protect young people online; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32803/26]

Sentiment score: 0.13

I ask the Minister to outline the actions being taken by his Department to protect young people online.

Sentiment score: 0.38

I thank the Minister for that overview. As a parent, I am supremely worried about online technology harms. To a person on the street, it seems we have a wait-and-see approach. I feel child welfare is quite often dismissed due to our dependence on technology companies in the Irish economy, not by the Government but that is what it is seen as quite regularly. We see younger and younger children accessing mental health supports. We have to acknowledge the correlation between social media and online harms and our children's mental health. I see this as a public health issue, on which we must act fast. I am glad to hear the Minister is making this a priority during the European Presidency because we have to make it a priority. He mentioned that the code of conduct came into effect in 2025. Does it work? What are the results? Have we seen any sanctions so far? Does Coimisiún na Meán have the resources and personnel it needs?

Sentiment score: 0.04

I appreciate the strong line the Minister is taking on this. It is positive that this will be the single line of importance for his Department during the European Union Presidency. It is important we take a zero-tolerance approach to this and that we look after our children. As I said, it is a public health issue. The damage it has caused to our children will stay with them. I also extend that to online social media in general for all of us in the country. People would not dare say the things they say online to people as they walk down the street. If they cannot say it to someone's face, they should not say it online. Everyone in this House has been a victim of nonsense being said about them online. When we meet those people in person, however, they are as quiet as mouses. We have to stand tall and ensure we put pressure on the digital media companies to stamp it out. They have responsibility.

Sentiment score: 0.07