Six of Ireland’s leading mobile phone operators have announced their support of a Government plan on smartphone use. 

The 'Keeping Childhood Smartphone Free Guide’ aims to reduce phone usage among children.

Supporting the agreement today were Vodafone, Three, Eir, Tesco Mobile, Virgin Media, and An Post Mobile - companies with a combined 95% market share in the Irish phone market.

It follows the introduction of a voluntary phone ban by Education Minister Norma Foley last November.

A child looks at a phone. Image: Westend61 GmbH / Alamy Stock Photo

Minister Foley said young people are being exploited through the technology.

“We’re aware of young people who are being groomed via smartphones and exploited via smartphones,” she said.

“These are very young children, aged six, seven and eight years of age.

“I really do want to acknowledge the support we have received.

“It will take a village to tackle this issue but there’s a recognition now by the smartphone operators and mobile phone providers that there’s an issue here and they’re prepared to step forward to endorse it.”

Phone legislation

The Education Minister has also not ruled out legislating a ban on the sale of smartphones to those aged 13 and under.

She has also written to the online safety commissioner calling for a ‘robust’ age verification system on social platforms as part of plans to make the internet a safer place for children.

Research has found 95% of children aged between eight and 12 own a smartphone in Ireland.

Main image: Norma Foley visits St Matthew’s National School, Sandymount in Dublin in August 2023. Image: Leah Farrell / Photocall Ireland