Norma Foley has rejected the idea of an outright ban on teenagers using smartphones.  

According to the US National Library of Medicine, the increased of smartphone use among young people is linked to an increase in mental health problems, self-harm and suicidality. 

Amid calls for the State to introduce legislation that would completely ban the use of smartphones by young people, the Minister for Education said that would be a step too far. 

“We will do what needs to be done in this space,” she told Newstalk Breakfast. 

“A ban generally works when people understand why it needs to be in place. 

“In the Department of Education, working with Parents’ Associations, we’re leading out on providing the information and ensuring that parents have a clear understanding of why they should not be purchasing phones for children.” 

Schoolboy playing games on a smartphone.

Voluntary smartphone ban

Instead, the Department of Education has agreed to a voluntary ban with phones companies. 

From now on, under 13s will not be able to buy smartphones but their parents will still be allowed to give them to their children. 

“Some weeks ago, I did host a social media summit and at that time I asked the mobile phone providers to step up, to show leadership here and support the initiative of the Department - which is really to keep childhood smartphone free,” Minister Foley said. 

“At that time, they asked to be facilitated to consider it and I was very pleased that they came back yesterday and they did say that they would endorse and support this key ‘Keep Childhood Smartphone Free’ initiative. 

“That includes Vodafone, 3, Eir, An Post, Virgin Media, Tesco Mobile and they have 95% share of the Irish mobile phone market. 

“I think it’s really important that these mobile phone providers are stepping up, they’re recognising there is an issue here, they will endorse and they will support this initiative.” 

Some schools have imposed an outright ban on children using smartphones in school - including all four primary schools in Taoiseach Simon Harris’ hometown of Greystones. 

The Taoiseach said he “fully supports” the initiative.

Main image: Education Minister Norma Foley. Picture by: Newstalk