“Now more than ever safeguarding and protecting our young people is paramount”
As part of Fianna Fáil’s ongoing campaign to protect young people online, the party has hosted a youth workshop with members of Foróige and Crosscare youth groups.
It follows a series of meetings between a Fianna Fáil working group, parents and young people.
Wanting to capture both the parental perspective and the voices of young people using the online space, we began earlier this year by launching our ‘Parenting in the Digital Age’ survey.
The youth workshop, hosted by the party this week was attended by Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Education and Youth, Deputy Ryan O’Meara, and Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Children, Deputy Aisling Dempsey.
Speaking after the workshop, Deputy O’Meara said: “As Spokesperson for Education and Youth, I understand the challenges faced by young people when they attempt to navigate the digital world today.
“Since this campaign kicked off in April, we have had over 800 respondents to our online survey of ‘Parenting in the Digital Age’. Today was a fantastic day in Leinster House, and the young people inspired us, and I thank them for their vitally important participation.
Deputy Aisling Dempsey commented, “The youth workshop is essential as we are hearing from young people directly. Their insights will guide our work with industry agencies to keep them safe online.
“It is essential for us as a party and working group to ensure the young people’s voice is at the heart of our campaign.”
Martina Keating is a Youth Justice Worker with Crosscare in Bray and Luke McFadden is a Youth Officer with Foróige in Monaghan.
Martina described her visit to Leinster house as a hugely positive experience,
“Now more than ever safeguarding and protecting our young people is paramount and we were delighted to be part of this campaign and will continue to promote online safety.”
Luke McFadden of Foróige went on to say, “We welcome this opportunity for our Foróige members across our projects, services and clubs in Monaghan, Cavan, Louth and Meath to be invited to Leinster House to discuss the topic of social media, young people’s use, experiences and the risk factors in the use of social media.
“I firmly believe it is vital that our young people have a voice regarding issues that are impacting them and that they are active contributors in any solution to the many issues affecting them.
“This workshop provided an opportunity for our voices and concerns to be heard, with the hope that those in positions of power and influence will legislate and shape policies that ensure our safety.”
ENDS