EU Presidency event to discuss online safety for children

Ireland is hosting an EU Presidency conference this week on children and young people's participation in decision-making.

More than 250 delegates from 24 EU member states, including 80 children and young people, will gather for the event which will have a particular focus on online safety for children.

Delegates will give their opinions on a variety of topics, including the proposals for age limits to be put in place for young people to access social media platforms.

The European Commission will present a proposal to limit children's access to social media after the summer, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said.

The Irish Government has expressed support for social media restrictions for children but has repeatedly said its preference would be for any ban to be implemented at EU level.

Today's conference will be opened by Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley.

"As Europe thinks about the future, including how we create a safer digital environment, young people must have a seat at the table," Ms Foley said.

"Their voices, experiences and ideas are essential," she added.

The conference will feature a keynote address from European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection Michael McGrath.

"Young people bring fresh ideas, curiosity and new perspectives to politics," Mr McGrath said.

"They challenge what many of us take for granted, encourage us to see familiar issues differently, and offer valuable insights into the decisions that shape our societies."

"Our policies are stronger and more effective when they are informed by the experiences and ideas of young people," he added.

Eighty young people from across Europe will take part in the two-day event, which will also hear from leading policymakers and experts.

The recommendations of participating children and young people will be captured in a report that will help shape decision-making at both Irish and European level.