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Banning teens from using social media a ‘blunt instrument’, health professionals told

The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland’s faculty of paediatrics recently launched a position paper on online wellbeing, focusing on the impact of social media on children and young people. Key figures such as Dr. Judith Meehan, Jillian van Turnhout, and Erin Wolfe were present at the launch. The paper highlights several negative impacts of social media, including anxiety, depression, self-harm, and cyberbullying.

The paper calls for government regulations to hold social media platforms accountable and enforce age verification measures. It also emphasizes the need for public awareness and parental support to mitigate the negative impacts of social media. Additionally, the paper advocates for more resources for health professionals dealing with the consequences of social media use.

A significant part of the discussion revolves around the debate on banning social media for teenagers. Tánaiste Simon Harris suggested considering a ban on social media for those under 16, similar to Australia’s legislative change. However, Dr. Meehan and others argue that a ban is a blunt instrument and advocate for more nuanced approaches.

The paper references the US ABCD Study, which found associations between screen time and worsening mental health, increased behavioral problems, and decreased academic performance. It also notes that social media use is more consistently linked with anxiety and depression in girls compared to boys.

Dr. Meehan emphasizes the collective responsibility of young people, parents, social media companies, government, policy, and healthcare providers in addressing the issue. The paper calls for a collaborative effort to create a safer online environment for children and young people.

Five children with autism have taken High Court actions against the Irish Minister for Education for failing to provide appropriate schooling. The cases highlight the urgent need for suitable educational provisions. The children, aged 5 to 12, face various challenges, including lack of school placements and delayed support services. Parents express significant stress and anxiety due to these shortcomings. The court has granted permission for judicial review proceedings, with further hearings scheduled later this month. These cases underscore the broader systemic issues in providing education for children with autism in Ireland.

Five children with autism take legal actions over access to education

Five children with autism have initiated separate High Court actions against the Minister for Education in Ireland, highlighting the urgent need for appropriate educational provisions. These cases underscore the significant challenges faced by children with autism and their families in accessing suitable education and support.

Legal Actions and Urgency: The High Court has granted permission for judicial review proceedings in these cases, recognizing their urgency. The children, ranging in age from five to twelve, have unique needs that have not been adequately met by the current educational system. The legal actions aim to compel the Minister for Education to provide appropriate schooling and support for these children.

Individual Cases:

Eight-Year-Old Boy: This child has never attended school due to the lack of an appropriate educational placement. His case highlights the systemic failure to provide suitable schooling options for children with autism.
Twelve-Year-Old Boy: Profoundly disabled, this boy's current school placement is deemed unsuitable. His father has expressed frustration over delays in reassessment and placement, which have exacerbated the child's educational and developmental challenges.
Five-Year-Old Girl: Non-verbal and with complex needs, this girl has been unable to secure a primary school placement. Her mother has described the extreme stress and anxiety caused by the ongoing struggle to find appropriate schooling.
Five-Year-Old Boy: Also non-verbal, this boy is currently in preschool but requires a special school placement to meet his educational needs. His case underscores the gap in provisions for young children with autism transitioning from preschool to primary education.
Six-Year-Old Boy: This child has been approved for school transport, but the service has been delayed since January. The lack of timely transport has significantly impacted his ability to attend school regularly.
Parental Statements: The parents of these children have voiced their significant stress and anxiety due to the inability to secure appropriate educational placements and support. They have highlighted the emotional and practical toll that the current system's shortcomings have taken on their families. The legal actions reflect their desperation and determination to secure a better future for their children.

Next Steps: The High Court cases will return later in the month, where further proceedings will determine the outcomes for these children. The cases are expected to bring attention to the broader issues within the educational system regarding the provision for children with autism.

Broader Implications: These legal actions are not just about the individual children involved but also about the systemic issues that affect many families across Ireland. The outcomes of these cases could set important precedents for how the educational needs of children with autism are addressed in the future. They highlight the need for a more inclusive and responsive educational system that can cater to the diverse needs of all children.

In summary, these High Court actions underscore the urgent need for systemic changes in the educational provisions for children with autism in Ireland. The cases highlight the significant challenges faced by these children and their families and the pressing need for appropriate support and resources to ensure that all children have access to suitable education.

Grab a free ‘My Little Library’ bag for junior infants in your local library this summer—lifetime membership! #NPC #MyLittleLibrary #First5

My Little Library 2025 Is Here!

📚 My Little Library 2025 Is Here!
Do you have a child starting primary school this September?
They’re entitled to a FREE My Little Library book bag – available now at your local library!
✨ Each bag includes:
📖 Beautiful books in English or as Gaeilge
👪 Resources to help with the transition from pre-school to primary
📘 A guide for parents, supports from Dyslexia Ireland & Vision Ireland
🎟️ A chance to become a library member — for life!
Since its launch, over 20,000 children each year have joined their local library thanks to this wonderful initiative. Make sure your child doesn’t miss out!
📅 Available now and all summer long at libraries nationwide.
📍 Just ask at your local library or visit:
🔗 www.first5.gov.ie
🔗 https://www.gov.ie/.../3f341-towards-a-new-literacy...
#MyLittleLibrary #First5 #PrimarySchoolReady #FreeBooks #FamilyReading #NPC

Upcomming Training

RSE 2 : Supporting your PostPrimary Child to Build Healthy Friendships and Relationships Session 2

A programme delivered by National Parents Council and funded by the Sexual Health Crisis Pregnancy Programme.

Following on from Part 1 of our RSE three part programme where we looked at how we can support children to make and sustain healthy relationships and friendships, now in part 2 we look at active listening skills and how we use those skills to build our relationships and support conversations with our children.

This session is ideally suited to parents who have completed part 1 but will also provide useful information and advice as a stand alone session.

Register now to find out how developing communication skills will help build your relationship and support conversations with your child.

We are running these sessions virtually via Zoom, Monday, Thurs and Friday, the week starting the 18th May 2026.

Welcome to the Early Years section of the National Parents Council (NPC) website. Here, we support parents and guardians of young children, from birth to six years old, with a range of resources, advice, and information. Discover insights on developmental milestones, parenting tips, early learning activities, and childcare options. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools to give your child the best start in life. Explore our Early Years section to nurture your child's growth and development.

Helpline

Guidance and resources to help you support your child’s early learning and development at home.

Parent Support

Speak with our trained advisors for expert advice on parenting and early education challenges.

Workshops & Training

Interactive sessions to equip parents with practical strategies for supporting young children's learning and well-being.

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The primary school years are a crucial time for your child’s growth, learning, and development. As a parent, your role in supporting their education and well-being is more important than ever. This section provides guidance, resources, and practical support to help you navigate your child’s school journey.

From understanding the curriculum to building positive study habits and supporting emotional well-being, we’re here to help. Explore our parent support services, confidential helpline, and engaging workshops and training designed to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to support your child’s learning and development.

Helpline

Speak with our trained Helpline team for support with questions or concerns about your child’s primary school experience.

Parent Support

Find helpful information and resources to support your child’s learning, wellbeing and development during the primary school years.

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Workshops & Training

Join interactive sessions designed to give parents practical tools and support for navigating primary school life.

Helpline

Speak with our trained Helpline team for support with questions or concerns about your young person’s post primary school experience.

Parent Support

Find helpful information and resources to support your young person’s learning, wellbeing and development during the post primary years.

Workshops & Training

Join interactive sessions designed to give parents practical tools and support for navigating post primary school life.

The post-primary years are a time of major transition, growth, and new challenges for both students and parents. As your child navigates secondary school, exams, friendships, and future career choices, your support and guidance remain essential.

This section provides practical resources to help you support your teenager’s education, emotional well-being, and future planning. Whether it’s understanding the curriculum, preparing for exams, or managing the transition to further education or employment, we’re here to help. Explore our parent support services, confidential helpline, and expert-led workshops and training designed to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to guide your teen through these important years.

Fáilte – Welcome to the National Parents Council (NPC)

The National Parents Council (#NPC) is the independent, parent‑run organisation that champions the rights, voices and hopes of families in every corner of Ireland. Since 1985 we’ve worked hand‑in‑hand with parents, schools and policymakers to build an education system where every child – from playgroup tot Junior Infants, all the way to Leaving Cert – feels valued, included and supported. We run a confidential helpline staffed by experienced advisers, deliver free workshops on everything from internet safety to exam stress, and train Parent Associations so they can drive positive change in their own schools. Our research and advocacy have helped shape national policies on class size, special‑needs supports, anti‑bullying measures and free schoolbooks. Whether you need quick advice, practical resources or a platform to make your voice heard, #NPC is here to back you all the way.

Your independent, parent‑led voice in Irish education

Here at #NPC we stand shoulder‑to‑shoulder with mums, dads, guardians – anyone raising a child  to make sure every young person gets the best start in life.

Free, confidential helpline and expert advice
Practical training and workshops from Early Years right up to Leaving Cert
Strong national advocacy that keeps the parent voice at the heart of education policy
Resources and tips to help you support learning, wellbeing and school engagement

Looking for guidance, community or a chance to shape change? You’re in the right place.