Proposals to ban social media for u16s lazy, insulting, and unworkable – Young Fine Gael
Minister Donnelly’s proposals to ban social media for u16s have been sharply criticised by Young Fine Gael (YFG).
President of YFG, Eoghan Gallagher, said:
“The idea that people under 16 cannot be trusted to be on social media is frankly insulting to these teenagers. At the age of 15 in Ireland you are permitted to work and pay taxes, but we are now saying that you shouldn’t be allowed to be on social media.
“It is delusional to think that we can just ban people from social media until they are 16. Like it or not, social media plays an enormous role in all facets of modern life.
“For all its faults, young people must have an understanding of how to use it, and how to interact in the modern world. Social media also has many benefits, including for education, socialisation, and self-expression. It also provides a space for teenagers to explore and develop interests which they otherwise would not be able to.
“Social media is the main source of news for young people, and to remove access for them would be removing their connection with current affairs.
“We are constantly discussing ways to get young people more involved in the democratic process. While teenagers do not have a vote, social media affords them an opportunity to contribute to public debate and express their views.
“This ban would also be totally unworkable; how would it be enforced? It’s complete nanny-state stuff from the Fianna Fáil Minister, who should be focusing his efforts and energy elsewhere.
“There are significant issues with social media, no one would deny that, and there is certainly a lot more that needs to be done to ensure the safety of children and young people online. Pursuing progress in digital education, support services, and vigorous policies is the way forward in this regard.
“Proposals to outright ban it are just lazy, and ill thought out by the Minister,” concluded Mr. Gallagher.
ENDS