Taoiseach rules out 'knee-jerk' reaction of social media ban for children

Speaking to reporters in Angola, the Taoiseach said there will be 'developments' on stricter controls for Irish teens, but it is unlikely to happen before the end of the year. Photo: Henry Nicholls/PA

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said the Government will adopt an "evidence-based approach" to control the impact of social media on young people and will not react in a “knee-jerk” fashion to bans being imposed in other countries.

Australia will become the first country to introduce a social media ban for all children under the age of 16. The law will apply to X, YouTube, Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Reddit, Twitch and Kick.