Parents should delay smartphones to counter toxic masculinity

Parents are being advised to delay giving smartphones to their children. This warning comes from Tánaiste Simon Harris, who highlighted a troubling rise in toxic masculinity fueled by online influencers. He mentioned figures like Conor McGregor and Andrew Tate, who he believes promote harmful ideas to young boys. Harris spoke at an event in Greystones, Co Wicklow, where local primary schools and parents' groups agreed to a “no smartphone voluntary code.” He expressed concern that these online influences can lead to difficulties in forming healthy relationships and a lack of emotional resilience among boys. He suggested that the Netflix series "Adolescence," which deals with social media and masculinity through a gripping story, should be shown in all secondary schools. This series helps portray the challenges many young men face today. Harris believes that delaying smartphone access allows children to build critical thinking skills. He emphasized that true strength lies in kindness and emotional intelligence, not in the toxic bravado often seen online. The event also focused on the “It Takes A Village” initiative, which aims to support children struggling with anxiety. This program saw all eight primary schools in Greystones working together to assist families and teachers. It includes a no smartphone policy and the hiring of play therapists. The initiative has garnered global attention and led to the Department of Education creating guidelines to help other schools develop similar smartphone policies. Research findings presented at the event included the need for better support for children and families, and for more resources from the government. Additionally, a new peer mentorship program was introduced, where older students will guide younger ones on managing wellbeing and safe online practices.