Norma Foley to ask parents to make 'collective decision' not to buy smartphones for children

Education Minister Norma Foley: 'To be quite honest, I think the vast, vast majority of our schools, particularly at primary level, do not support the use of smartphones within the school context.' Picture: Leah Farrell / © RollingNews.ie

Education Minister Norma Foley is bringing a memo to Cabinet that encourages parents to avoid buying smartphones for their children in primary schools.

The minister is drafting new guidelines that will be sent to all primary schools around the use of smartphones.

The measures, which have been prompted by concerns about primary school children’s potential exposure to cyberbullying, violent and sexual content, and other online harms, are based on the successful example of eight schools.

Parents of primary school children in eight schools in Greystones, Co Wicklow, agreed collectively not to buy smartphones for their children before they enter second-level education.

The initiative was introduced after principals, teachers, and parents noticed a rise in anxiety in children.

A similar approach has also been taken from this school term across Waterford county amid mounting concern that children are becoming inactive and sedentary by spending too much time on screens.

Under the changes, Ms Foley will ask parents to take a “collective decision” not to buy smartphones for children. 

The minister acknowledges that a ban on smartphones cannot be legislated for and so is seeking an opt-in voluntary approach.

Speaking at the Fianna Fáil ardfheis over the weekend, Ms Foley said any decision would first have to be taken by individual boards of management at schools, but she believed most do not support the use of smartphones.

“To be quite honest, I think the vast, vast majority of our schools, particularly at primary level, do not support the use of smartphones within the school context,” Ms Foley said.

She added the "real issue" was around what happens after school as children can have access to content that no parent would want them to see.

"Given that we are in education, our focus will be on educating parents, supporting parents, to inform them in the first instance as to why it would be a better decision for their young child, particularly at primary school age, not to utilise the smartphone."

Support scheme for farmers

Meanwhile, the Cabinet will also hear details of a new support scheme for farmers today. 

Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue has confirmed he is opening a fodder support scheme for farmers impacted by flooding on the Shannon Callows.

Due to the very challenging weather conditions this summer, some farmers were unable to save fodder crops for this coming winter and this has been compounded by the continuing wet conditions throughout the autumn period.

Mr McConalogue said: "I recognise the acute and exceptional nature of the challenge for affected farmers and have been engaging with Government colleagues in the area and will be confirming details of a scheme to Cabinet."

Separately, Finance Minister Michael McGrath will today seek Cabinet approval for Ireland to submit its formal bid later this week to host the EU’s new Anti Money Laundering Authority. The proposed new Authority aims to improve the detection of suspicious financial transactions and close loopholes used by criminals to launder illicit proceeds or finance terrorist activities.

Up to 10 countries are expected to compete to host the Authority and it is understood that Ireland’s application puts significant emphasis on the geographical spread of EU institutions.

Given the importance attached to the agency, Mr McGrath is expected to recommend that the State be willing to offer considerable financial support to win the bid process.

A decision on the location is expected in 2024.