The Government may need to use more social media influencers to get COVID-19 messages out to young people, the Taoiseach has said.
It follows concerns about a number of large parties in Dublin over the weekend, despite new restrictions coming into force.
With schools now also reopened, health officials are also urging young people to not congregate after school.
Micheál Martin told The Pat Kenny Show that everyone can pick out instances of young people not following the rules, but that there are many others who are sticking to the public health guidance.
The Taoiseach said it's vital the message gets out to all young people, although stressed that children are 'very aware' of the current message.
He observed: "I think it's perseverance and persistence [that's needed].
"The mechanisms and the platforms, maybe using more influencers to communicate at the level young people are at in terms of the various platforms that they access... I think is key.
"That is happening, but I think we need to intensify that type of effort in communicating with young people, and all age cohorts.
"We have to continue to persist with communicating to all age cohorts - particularly young people - in terms of the importance of not congregating, adhering to social distancing, hand-washing, sneeze etiquette... really the basics are our strongest defence."
Mr Martin said communicating with children does begin in the home, and it's important for parents and families to talk through the situation with the virus.
He also said the reopening of schools was done with well-being of students in mind, as children may also be anxious about the virus and returning to classrooms.
