Will a social media ban for under-16s actually work?

Thursday 19 February, 2026

19 Feb 2026

It’s a debate that is taking place at kitchen tables across the country: are smartphones and social media apps doing more harm than good for our children? Ireland is following in the footsteps of Australia and plans to restrict social media access for anyone under the age of 16, with a pilot for age verification technology set to roll out in the coming months. We’re joined by Philip Arneill, head of communications and research with CyberSafeKids, to examine how a ban could work - and if it's the right move.

∞

About Us

Corrections

Report Content

Policies

TheJournal.ie supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and the Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Council, at www.presscouncil.ie, PH: (01) 6489130, Lo-Call 1890 208 080 or email: info@presscouncil.ie

Please note that TheJournal.ie uses cookies to improve your experience and to provide services and advertising. For more information on cookies please refer to our cookies policy.

News images provided by Press Association and Photocall Ireland unless otherwise stated. Irish sport images provided by Inpho Photography unless otherwise stated. Wire service provided by Associated Press.

Journal Media does not control and is not responsible for user created content, posts, comments, submissions or preferences. Users are reminded that they are fully responsible for their own created content and their own posts, comments and submissions and fully and effectively warrant and indemnify Journal Media in relation to such content and their ability to make such content, posts, comments and submissions available. Journal Media does not control and is not responsible for the content of external websites.

About Us

Follow Us

Corrections

Policies