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.
Ireland and UK online safety laws both moved beyond self-declaration in 2025, yet each has clear strengths and gaps. Coimisiún na Meán has opened one investigation under its Online Safety Code. Dedicated adult platforms such as Pornhub remain outside that Code’s direct remit
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.
Online Safety Act children measures have expanded age checks dramatically. However, Ofcom evidence shows most large platforms still fail to enforce their own minimum ages. Seven in ten children continue to encounter harmful content. Families need practical controls beyond platform promises.
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