Senator to sound alarm smartphone safety

Under Seanad rules, Senator Gallagher will have five minutes to deliver his opening remarks.

Fianna Fáil Senator Robbie Gallagher is set to raise the alarm in the Seanad over the growing crisis facing children online, with the use of smartphones and social media set to coming under scrutiny.

The Commencement Matter, selected by the Cathaoirleach for debate from 10:30am, will see Senator Gallagher call on the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to address fears around the impact of smartphones on young people’s mental health, safety and wellbeing.

The debate comes as concern continues to grow among parents and educators over screen addiction, declining attention spans and the pressure social media places on children at increasingly younger ages.

Under Seanad rules, Senator Gallagher will have five minutes to deliver his opening remarks, with the Minister or Minister of State given five minutes to respond on behalf of the Government.