Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the publication of the Bill and commend Senator Craughwell for facilitating this debate on digital safety. Some Members come at this debate from several perspectives, for example, as legislators and as former teachers, including Senators Craughwell and Ó Ríordáin and me. We are concerned as to whether we can balance the benefits that undoubtedly accrue from increasing digitalisation and technological advances with the negative consequences of modern technology.

I welcome the Minister. We are lucky to have a progressive Minister and that, while our approach may be cautious, child protection and child safety is at the forefront of our policy, as it should. Legislation and regulation is easy but monitoring or regulating the use of an iPad, an iPhone, Fitbit or any other device in a classroom or school community is a challenge. I recognise the intent and import of the Bill and, as I said, we must ensure the well-being of children is at the forefront of this issue.

The growth of cyberbullying among adults as well as young children is alarming. Senator Devine rightly commented on the socialisation of the child. I had a conversation this morning with my sister about whether teenagers today in modern Ireland are better off than when we were growing up. I was conscious that at this time of year when we were teenagers - the Minister will smile at this - we were farming, saving hay, on the bog and a million miles away from a smartphone or computer. We even had to drink tea out of an old bottle with a sock around it. I know I am digressing somewhat but we have changed-----