Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chairman. I thank the witnesses for their excellent presentations. They painted a scary picture.

The delegation mentioned a strategy and it was touched on by Senator Noone. Who does the ISPCC believe should roll out the strategy? Is it Tusla? There is a question mark over whether people would have the confidence in Tusla to do such work. Does the ISPCC want a digital safety commissioner to roll out the strategy? There is no point having a strategy if there is no-one to implement it and roll it out.

What is the view of the ISPCC on parental responsibility? Parents needs support. Sometimes parents forgot their responsibilities in this modern age. I do not see how anyone would think it acceptable for a communion age child to have a smartphone. In reality many children of that age will have one but it is ridiculous. Does the ISPCC favour a stronger legal remedy if one's child is found to have bullied a child online or using WhatsApp or whatever? Would the ISPCC recommend imposing a penalty for such behaviour? Parents would sit up and listen fairly fast if there was the risk of a penalty. Education is needed but parents need to tell their child that he or she will not get a phone or use one for a certain period. Parents tend to give into their children's demands too easily nowadays.