Parental consent does not automatically make social media safe. CODA examines independent parental control testing, Irish regulatory action and the case for stronger platform accountability.
Independent research led by Dr Laura Edelson found that 51 of 86 child safety features tested across four social media platforms failed. What this means for parents and regulators.
Social media captured children’s attention. Sherry Turkle warns that AI companions now threaten emotional attachment, empathy and real relationships
New Lancet research synthesising 121 reviews and more than nine million participants suggests that children’s digital wellbeing depends on much more than screen time alone.
Ireland’s media regulator is testing a new pathway so verified multi-platform cyberbullying cases involving children at imminent risk can be escalated directly rather than left to individual user reports.
A US federal conviction reveals how dangerous relationships can begin through multiplayer gaming and continue on private messaging apps. Learn how grooming works, what warning signs to recognise and how parents can protect their children.
Roblox submitted 65,381 reports of suspected child sexual exploitation in 2025. A US investigation also uncovered serious shortcomings in identifying victims and reporting organised abuse. We examine the evidence, the psychology of online grooming and what Irish parents can do to protect their children.
Criminals are purchasing sponsored search advertisements that impersonate banks, technology companies and customer support services. A single telephone call can lead to remote access, stolen credentials and financial loss. Discover the psychology behind these scams, why families are vulnerable and the practical steps that can prevent them
Social media age restrictions on the largest platforms offer a more efficient short-term protection than expecting parents to master endless safety settings across devices and ages. Australia’s early data shows both the friction created by account limits and the gaps left by weak age checks. Genuine safety by design remains incomplete while platforms rely on optional parental tools.
A large study of youth AI chatbot conversations shows most use is practical tool work, yet many children, especially younger ones. They also explore violence and sexual role-play. Parents need both conversation and controls
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