Young people need to be part of the social media ban conversation in Ireland

Social media has impacted millions of people’s lives, and it shapes how we interact with each other daily . Like most things, social media presents advantages and disadvantages when using it. it is rare to meet a young person who does not have an online presence.

However, in recent years, many people have turned to the offline lifestyle as they feel social media is negatively impacting their lives. In this article, I share my own experience of growing up with social media and how the COVID-19 pandemic shaped my relationship with it.

Growing up with social media in Ireland

Before I had access to social media, I used to call to my friends and ask if they were around. I remember playing games like tip-the-can and knick-knock on my street, although it did annoy a lot of our neighbours, we spent a great deal of time outdoors. I recall summer nights where my friends and I would meet and cycle to our other friends’ houses that lived on the other side of my village.

Looking back, this was a time when connection felt simple and mostly offline. I believe that my generation is probably the last generation to do this anymore, as children are given access to devices to contact their friends.

My first experience with social media was when I received my first ‘proper’ touchscreen phone as a gift from my parents. At this point, I was around thirteen years old when I properly started my digital journey.

I recall downloading Snapchat and Instagram, which were the most popular apps among my friends at the time. I also remember my parents warning me of privacy and safety, especially as I was a young person online.  At that age, I understood the warnings, but I did not fully understand the long-term impact of being constantly online.

I joined social media since most of my friends were active on it. It became the main way I stayed in contact with friends outside of school. I liked staying updated with friends and family. I also felt as though if I didn’t have social media, I would miss out on plans, jokes and shared moments.

COVID-19 and social media use among young people

There is no doubt that our experiences during COVID-19 shaped the way we engage with online spaces. I remember the day when my teacher told us that we were going into lockdown.

I was in fifth year, and I felt uncertain and anxious. We were due to sit the Leaving Certificate the following year, which added to that worry. Social media became one of the few places where that anxiety was shared and understood.

Social media exploded the day that the lockdown was announced. Many people used it to share information, fears and reactions in real-time. At the same time, it became a space for connection when physical contact was not possible.

During the pandemic, TikTok became especially popular. I downloaded it during this time, expecting it to be like Vine or Musical.ly.

I ended up spending a large amount of my time on TikTok, and gained a sizeable following within a niche community. That sense of belonging mattered to me at a time when everyday social life had disappeared.

I even connected with someone on TikTok who is now one of my closest friends. However, I also began to feel pressure.  I constantly checked my phone for notifications and monitored engagement on my posts. This led to long periods of time spent online without real breaks.

Before the Leaving Certificate, I decided to make my account private and delete the app entirely.

Although I enjoyed being a part of an online community, I found it increasingly difficult to switch off and stay present. I realised that constantly monitoring my account and doomscrolling for hours was not good for my well-being. People often say not to compare yourself with others online, but I found this much harder in practice than in theory.

Since deleting TikTok, I have not re-downloaded it or felt the urge to return. However, I began to notice similar patterns with other platforms like Instagram and YouTube. Both of these platforms have introduced the short video feature with infinity scrolling, almost mirroring TikTok. Features such as Reels and YouTube Shorts now use endless scrolling and targeted algorithms that make disengaging difficult. Even when I tried to step back, these features pulled my attention in familiar ways.

My relationship with social media after COVID-19

In the years since the pandemic, I have become more aware of how social media affects me. I have learned to step back when it feels overwhelming and to prioritise time with friends and family offline.

During exam seasons, I often deactivate my Instagram account, allowing me to focus more on my studies. Many of my friends do the same. Recently, I have installed an app that limits scrolling when I feel bored, which has also helped me stay productive. I also keep notifications turned off for most apps. These are small changes, but they help me feel more in control of my time and attention.

Recently, more people have chosen to reduce or remove their online presence. In the context of AI-generated content and misinformation, this reaction is understandable.

However, I believe that media literacy is just as important as disengagement. Learning how to think critically about online content allows people to stay connected while protecting their well-being.

Social media age limits and the ban for under-16s in Ireland

Discussions about introducing a social media ban for under-16s in Ireland feel especially relevant to me. I joined social media at thirteen, and while I gained connections and community, I also experienced pressure, comparison, and difficulty switching off.

Looking back, I can see how vulnerable I was at that age, particularly during COVID-19. Any policy response should consider both the benefits young people gain from online spaces and the risks they may not yet have the tools to manage. My experience shows why stronger protections, clearer boundaries, and better digital education matter for young users.

Overall, I think that social media platforms need to be better regulated to ensure user safety and privacy.

What young people in Ireland need from social media

Social media offers many benefits, including communication, community, and professional networking. However, it is equally important that people can step away when it becomes overwhelming.

While it can sound obvious, not everything online reflects real life. Social media is not disappearing, so the focus should be on helping young people learn how to engage with it safely, critically, and on their own terms.

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