Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 January 2018
562. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to encourage young persons to limit screen time spent on smartphones; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4513/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraExcessive screen time on smartphones is a problem that has only arisen in recent years with the massive advances in communications technology. The long term impact on society of this excessive screen time remains to be seen. I think this a new societal issue and needs a societal response.
The Deputy will probably agree that it is not just young persons who spend too much screen time on smartphones. If we want young people to reduce screen time, we need to start with good example from adults. Parents need to take a more constructive role in deciding at what age and for what purpose a child should have access to a smartphone; and what services the child should access through that device. Children need to be aware of the tremendous benefits that can come from effective use of smartphone technology, but also the difficulties that arise from excessive use. There is a need for education, whether at home, in school or other settings. I know that bodies such as CyberSafeIreland perform a valuable support for education in this field.
Evidence suggests that excessive screen time has negative impacts on children's social and physical development. It has also been linked to childhood obesity.
Screen time is one of the factors identified as having a negative impact of the aims of our national policy framework for children and young people Better Outcomes Brighter Futures. This is particularly related to the aim that involves "enjoying play, recreation, sports, arts, culture and nature".
Healthy Ireland, A Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing 2013-2025, is the national framework led by the Minister for Health adopting a whole of government and whole of society approach to improve Ireland's health and well-being in the coming generations. My Department supports Healthy Ireland with a particular focus on the commitments for children and young people in Better Outcomes Brighter Futures.
Of course, the question of control over online content which is available to children through smartphones presents a range of challenges for the safety, welfare and protection of children. Last November, I met with the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Denis Naughten and the Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan, to discuss the cross-Government collaboration that is needed. As a result, the Government will hold an Open Policy Debate on the topic on 8 March, 2018. Minister Naughten's Department is leading the co-ordination of this event; with support and participation from my Department, the Departments of Justice & Equality; Business, Enterprise and Innovation; Education and Skills and Health.
Representatives from industry, NGOs and stakeholders will also participate. The overall aim of the event is to raise awareness among all participants of the activities which are being undertaken by the Government, the EU, industry, NGOs and others and to identify gaps where further action is required and areas where further cooperation between stakeholders is possible. This will help develop and finalise Government policy on this important and timely issue.
