Carr: 'Phone use can cause anxiety, addiction, harmful content and exploitation'

Donegal County Council has been asked to call on the government for policies to address the rising issue of smartphone use among children and teens.

A motion was raised by Councillor Brian Carr, who said that the risks of early smartphone use among children cannot be ignored.

Cllr Carr said that while community campaigns have been strong, government policy is needed to prevent early phone use, which can lead to "anxiety, addiction, harmful content and exploitation".

The Netflix series Adolescence was one of the factors which led to Cllr Carr's motion, he said.

"While this is receiving plenty of media attention at the moment, I was approached by a local group that began this campaign several years ago who asked me to bring this motion forward," Cllr Carr said.

"In 2023, a group of concerned parents, teachers and sports groups from Glenties, Ardara and Lettermacaward came together in response to the growing impact of social media on young people.

"They have since worked with 16 local primary schools and St Columbas Comprehensive with the message of - let’s delay smart phone use until after primary school."

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Cllr Carr said that a survey showed an overwhelming majority of 90% of parents in favour of the campaign.

"Community efforts are strong, but they cannot do it alone, national action is needed," Cllr Carr told Monday's council meeting.

His motion asked the council to write to the Minister for Education, Norma Foley, and the Minister for Children, Helen McEntee, to express concern regarding the rising use of smartphones and social media among early teenagers, and to request information on what plans or policies the Government intends to implement to address these issues and protect the wellbeing of children and young people.