Digital technologies and online platforms have become embedded in the everyday lives of children and young people, providing opportunities for connection, communication, learning, self-expression, and entertainment, while enabling young people to socialise, develop their identifies, understand relationships, and engage with important issues such as mental health and world affairs.

Evidence from Ireland demonstrates the significant role that digital devices and online environments play in the daily lives of children and young people, including that:

• 93% of children aged 8 – 12 own a smart device and 97% aged 12 -14 own a smartphone;1
• 37% of 9–10-year-olds reported daily use of smartphones, rising to 60% of 11–12- year-olds, 85% of 13–14-year-olds and 91% of 15–17-year-olds; 2
• Average time spent online for 9 – 17-year-olds was 2.1 hours per day for weekdays and 3.4 hours per day at the weekend, and usage increased with age, with 15 – 17- year-olds spending an average of 3.2 hours online per day;3 and
• 71% of children aged 8 - 12 have an account on a 13+ social media/instant messaging apps, this increases to 99% of children and young people aged 12 – 15.4

Similar findings were evident from a survey conducted by children in advance of appearing before the Committee. The survey, included 31 participants between the ages of 5 and 13, found that:

• all had access to their own devices;
• length of time spent on devices varied depending on age; and
• all had access to social media and could access the platforms they wanted to use.