The Taskforce was established In September 2024, in recognition of the growing body of evidence, from Ireland and internationally, showing the link between certain types of online activity and physical and mental health harms to children and young people. 

The Taskforce has identified several priority areas for potential intervention. These emerging ideas and recommendations have been synthesised into six strategic categories that will form the framework for its ongoing deliberations and recommendations: 

• Legislation/Regulation 
• Education
• Information/Awareness Raising 
• Safe Environment 
• Rights Based Policy 
• Research/Evidence 

The Interim Report sets out the progress the Taskforce has made to date and outlines the pathway to the Final Report which will be submitted to the Minister in October 2025. The Taskforce has been asked to detail the range of social, mental health, physical health and sexual health harms being caused, which may include anxiety, sleep deprivation, eating disorders, self-harm, and suicide ideation. The Taskforce is developing a strategic public health response to these harms.