Four in 10 young internet users have addiction symptoms

FOUR out of 10 young Irish people who use the internet report symptoms of a mild form of addiction – a much higher number than in most other European countries.

And while far fewer 11 to 16- year-olds receive sexual messages and images while surfing than their continental cousins, Irish parents are much more likely not to know about it.

The study, carried out for Digital Agenda Commissioner Neelie Kroes, found that children are going online at an ever -younger age, but more needs to be done to ensure it is safe, educational and age-appropriate.