Rabbitte cool on plea to censor eating disorder websites

Demands for the Government to clamp down on notorious websites that promote eating disorders have been rejected by ministers.

A call by Labour TD Arthur Spring for Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte to “censor” such sites, which are aimed at vulnerable people under the age of 18, met with a curt response.

Mr Spring raised the issue after constituents alerted him to the sites which promote bulimia and anorexia as positive lifestyle choices for young people, especially girls.

“The parents of children affected by these eating disorders have told me they have found evidence of these sites being accessed by their children,” said the Kerry North-West Limerick TD.

“It is a similar problem with suicide in that there is just too much information out there that vulnerable people can access. This stuff is far too readily available and it is time that we looked seriously at what we can do about it.

“We have age restrictions at the cinema, so maybe we should look at what we can do with computers. How we could make usage age appropriate. These site are very damaging for impressionable, young people and promote bulimia. I believe they need to be censored, especially if they are clearly aimed at people under the age of 18.”

Mr Rabbitte insisted the issue was complicated as internet responsibility was spread out across a number of government departments, and that internet content was often based outside of the Republic.

“It is clear that there are no simple answers to the challenges posed by the positioning of certain potentially harmful content on internet websites, not least because of the international basis of services and because any possible policy response falls across a range of departments.

“In recognition of this complexity my department maintains open and regular contact with all departments and state agencies.

“My department also monitors international developments with a view to ensuring domestic policy within its remit reflects best practices and that the regulatory framework is amended as necessary,” he said in a parliamentary reply when tackled on the matter by Mr Spring.

Mr Rabbitte added that he was awaiting a report from the Oireachtas committee on transport and communications after it held hearings on the use of the internet and its potential effect on people.