New law could fine parents who give kids unlimited internet access

A TD is proposing to introduce fines for parents who let their children have phones with unrestricted internet access.

Fine Gael's Jim Daly also wants retailers to face fines for selling phones with internet access to children under 14. He's currently drafting legislation on his proposal, which he says would protect kids from inappropriate content.

"Essentially you are allowing a child of seven or eight years of age to have a mobile device that allows them to access unlimited pornography of every type, they can go gambling, cyber bullying," said Deputy Daly on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland.

"The proposed regulation will also force parents to take responsibility for their children’s access to internet."

The ISPCC has cautiously welcomed the news and called for “a complete suite of measures” around cyber bullying, according to the Irish Times.

It too wanted parents to be more aware of what their children are up to with their phones.

“We need to educate parents so they are aware of what is happening," said the ISPCC's Cliodhna O’Neill.

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