We wouldn’t allow it offline, so why put children in online danger?

We must regularly supervise our children’s online activity in an atmosphere of trust, writes Alex Cooney

‘Have you ever brought your young child to a swimming pool and left them unsupervised? Would you encourage your child to speak to a stranger in the park or on the street? If the answer to these is “no”, then why would you let your child go online unsupervised?’

Today is Safer Internet Day 2023, a global initiative to promote a better online for all.

What has changed since Safer Internet Day 2022? In Ireland, there are developments to celebrate: the passing of the Online Safety Media Regulation Act and the appointment of Niamh Hodnett as Ireland’s first Online Safety Commissioner. Both are welcome commitments to making the online world a safer, more accountable space for children.