A recent report has revealed that 65% of Irish children aged 8 to 12 have been contacted by strangers online, raising serious concerns about internet safety for young users. The findings have ignited widespread discussions among parents, educators, and policymakers on the need for enhanced protective measures to safeguard children in the digital space.

The Growing Threat to Young Internet Users

With increasing access to smartphones, tablets, and social media platforms, children are more exposed than ever to online interactions. While digital technology provides educational and social benefits, it also comes with significant risks. The report highlights:

• 65% of children aged 8 to 12 have been contacted by strangers online.
• 1 in 4 children have experienced persistent or inappropriate messages from unknown individuals.
• 40% of parents were unaware of their child’s online interactions with strangers.
• The majority of incidents occurred on social media, gaming platforms, and messaging apps.

Parental Awareness and Responsibility

Many parents remain unaware of the extent of their child’s online activity. The report shows that while 90% of parents believe their child is safe online, nearly half do not actively monitor their internet usage.

Steps parents can take to improve online safety:

1. Educate children about online dangers and encourage open communication.
2. Monitor device usage and set parental controls on apps and websites.
3. Encourage privacy settings on social media and gaming accounts.
4. Discourage interactions with strangers and warn against sharing personal information.
5. Use child-friendly platforms and establish screen time limits.

Government and Industry Response

The Irish government has responded to these concerns by strengthening regulations and increasing funding for online safety awareness campaigns. The Online Safety and Media Regulation Act is set to introduce stricter guidelines for tech companies, requiring them to implement stronger child protection measures.

Additionally, organisations such as CyberSafeKids Ireland and Webwise Ireland are actively running educational programmes in schools, equipping children and parents with the knowledge to navigate the internet safely.

The Role of Social Media and Gaming Platforms

Tech companies must also take responsibility in ensuring child safety online. Platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, and Roblox have been urged to:

• Strengthen age verification systems.
• Implement AI-driven content moderation to detect predatory behaviour.
• Provide easier reporting mechanisms for young users experiencing online harassment.
• Improve default privacy settings for children’s accounts.

Moving Forward: A Collective Effort

The alarming statistics from this report serve as a wake-up call for society. Ensuring children’s online safety requires a collaborative effort between parents, schools, government agencies, and tech companies. By fostering digital literacy, encouraging open discussions, and enforcing strict safety measures, Ireland can take significant steps towards creating a safer digital environment for young users.

For further resources on online safety, visit CyberSafeKids Ireland or Webwise Ireland.

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