The media regulator Coimisiún na Meán has launched a new nationwide campaign to raise awareness about harmful online content and how to report it.
The initiative aims to highlight people's rights under Ireland’s Online Safety Framework, particularly regarding the protection of children and young people.
The campaign, which is supported by the Department of Health, will feature on radio, print and social media.
It will include a series of short videos for users, encouraging them to report harmful material they might
encounter online, such as cyberbullying, the promotion of eating disorders, self-harm and suicide, as well as dangerous challenges.
"Harmful online content is never acceptable," said Coimisiún na Meán’s Online Safety Commissioner Niamh Hodnett.
"We would encourage anyone who encounters it to report it first to the platform where they see it," Ms Hodnett said.
Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, said the campaign will highlight the importance of reporting harmful online content.
"We have seen the challenges faced by children and young people as they engage with digital environments and I will shortly publish the final report of the Online Health Taskforce which contains a comprehensive framework to help tackle these challenges," she said.
Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, said people should not stay silent if they see something harmful, inappropriate or illegal online.
"You can report it to the platform and you have options if you’re not happy with the outcome, Coimisiún na Meán is here to help and support you," he said.
