Behind the Headlines - A Social Media Ban for Ireland?

Recorded April 28th, 2026. As part of our ‘Behind the Headlines’ series,this panel examines the Irish government’s plans for an age-related social media ban amid growing momentum for similar measures internationally. Gathering legal, psychology and social research experts, we will look at all aspects of the proposed legislation, including age verification, and the rights and freedoms of under-16 age groups. The panel also discusses the implications of social media use on this group, including what constitutes problematic internet use, and its implications for public health in the context of children and young persons today. The discussion is chaired by Dr Róisín Á Costello, Assistant Professor of Law at Trinity College Dublin and Deputy Director of TriCON, Trinity Centre for Constitutional Law. Panellists: Dr TJ McIntyre, Associate Professor in Law at the School of Law, University College Dublin and Chairperson of Digital Rights Ireland. Dr Ruth Melia, Associate Professor in Clinical Psychology at the University of Limerick. Dr Gretta Mohan, Senior Research Officer in Economic Analysis at the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI). This discussion is held in partnership with DEMCONEX, The Jean Monnet Centre for Excellence on Freedom of Expression and Democratic Resilience in Europe’s Digital Age. DEMCONEX is a Jean Monnet Centre for Excellence on Freedom of Expression and Democratic Resilience in Europe’s Digital Age is funded by the European Union. The Centre will be hosted by the Law School and the Department of Politics at Trinity College Dublin from 2025-2028 and is focused on research, teaching and public engagement on the Centre’s themes and on European studies. Behind the Headlines is supported by the John Pollard Foundation. Learn more at www.tcd.ie/triniylongroomhub