Strides made to protect children online- Maxwell TD

A recent Fine Gael Online Safety Survey gathered feedback from more than 2,200 parents nationwide

Fine Gael is taking significant steps to safeguard children in County Cavan from online risks, including harmful content, cyberbullying, and exploitative algorithms, Deputy David Maxwell has said.

Deputy Maxwell highlighted plans to introduce robust age verification measures for online platforms. “Parents are doing their part to protect their children, but it’s vital the government provides strong safeguards,” he said. “Fine Gael, alongside Minister Patrick O’Donovan, is committed to securing our children’s future online.”

A recent Fine Gael Online Safety Survey, which gathered feedback from more than 2,200 parents nationwide, showed overwhelming support for age limits and verification systems. In response, the government is developing a trusted digital wallet to confirm users’ ages, ensuring adult-only content platforms such as YouTube and Instagram are held accountable.

In addition, Fine Gael has allocated €6 million to schools nationwide to support smartphone-free environments. Schools in County Cavan will benefit from €104,250 this year to reduce distractions, improve wellbeing, and assist teachers in maintaining safer learning spaces. Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton has been collaborating with schools, teachers, parents, and students to implement these measures.

Deputy Maxwell also noted Ireland’s growing role at the EU level in online safety, with significant fines being imposed for non-compliance. “When Ireland assumes the EU Presidency in 2026, we have the opportunity to lead on stronger protections for children online,” he said.

“Protecting children online is a top priority for Fine Gael. These steps ensure that parents in County Cavan are not facing these challenges alone,” concluded Deputy Maxwell.