Tánaiste Harris signals support for restriction as EU member states examine coordinated approach
The Irish Cabinet will receive an update next week on the possibility of banning social media access for children under 16, Tánaiste Simon Harris confirmed Friday.
EU member states are examining restrictions on young people’s access to social media platforms, with Ireland’s Department of Communications reportedly favoring an EU-wide approach over unilateral national action.
Harris said Communications Minister will advise the government “in the time ahead” on what is “possible under European legislation,” with a Cabinet briefing expected next week.
The Tánaiste has previously expressed strong support for age-based social media restrictions for child protection purposes. Speaking Friday, he reiterated those views while acknowledging the complexity of implementation.
“The Government has obligations when it comes to child protection, and there are real concerns from parents in Ireland—and not just in Ireland—about child safety on the internet,” Harris said.
“Now, companies will have their own various policies in relation to this, but I do think we live in a country where there’s a digital age of consent, and that should matter.”
Harris emphasized his support for restricting social media to people above a certain age. “I’m very supportive of the idea of social media being restricted to people above a certain age. I think that would be a significant support to parents. I think it would be a significant support in relation to child protection.”
Addressing social media companies, Harris noted that business success depends on “certainty, clarity, and stability,” suggesting that clear regulatory frameworks would benefit platforms as well as users.
He acknowledged that Ireland’s approach will be shaped significantly by EU legislation and infrastructure in this area, indicating preference for coordinated European action rather than isolated national measures.
The consideration follows Australia’s recent move to ban social media for children under 16, sparking international debate about protecting young people online while balancing digital literacy, parental rights, and enforcement practicalities.
Critics of age bans argue they may drive young people to less regulated platforms, prove difficult to enforce without invasive age verification systems that threaten privacy, and deny teenagers valuable opportunities for connection and learning.
Supporters contend that developing brains require protection from addictive platform designs, cyberbullying, harmful content, and mental health impacts associated with social media use during formative years.
Ireland’s digital age of consent is currently 16 under GDPR regulations, requiring parental consent for processing children’s data. However, enforcement remains challenging, with many underage users accessing platforms through false birthdate declarations.
The Cabinet update will clarify whether Ireland can implement restrictions under existing EU digital services regulations or whether new legislation would be required, and whether coordinated EU action is feasible given varying national positions on the issue.
The discussion occurs amid growing parental anxiety about children’s online safety, with concerns about content exposure, screen time, mental health impacts, and predatory behavior on social media platforms.
Next week’s Cabinet briefing will provide clearer indication of the government’s timeline and approach to potential age restrictions on social media access.