Aisling calls for ban on smartphones in schools
TV presenter Aisling O’Loughlin has come out in support of a smartphone ban in schools.
The mother of three and former Xposé host said that, while deciding if there should be a minimum age for smartphones is ‘tricky’, they have no place in schools.
‘Smartphones shouldn’t be in classrooms,’ she told the Irish Daily Mail. ‘We’re all addicted. Smartphones have revolutionised our lives. I’m in love with my phone, but I think you have to admit your own addiction before you point the finger.’
Reacting to top cyberpsychologist Dr Mary Aiken’s comments that children under the age of 14 should not have a smartphone, Aisling, 39, said ‘some kids need their phones’.
‘I don’t think one size fits all. If a child’s parents are working, they might need to text them when they’re picking them up.’
As for her own children – Patrick, six, Louis, four, and Joseph, one – Aisling, who is an Irish Mail on Sunday columnist, said she encourages them to be outdoors as much as possible. ‘My kids are so young, so they’re not on social media. They go on YouTube, but I watch it with them, so they’re not on their own. ‘I encourage them to be outdoors as much as they can. It’s all about balance. Technology is their future, and all parents know screen time can be a lifesaver,’ she laughed.
The broadcaster came under fire online last week after revealing she has decided to go vegan, but said she doesn’t pay attention to negative comments or trolling.
‘People get very cross when you talk about veganism, but I don’t pay heed to negative comments online. I don’t bother.
‘Most people know that I speak from the heart. I’m a journalist, and always research facts. I don’t just take it out of my hat.’
Last week the Mail revealed that Fianna Fáil is to push for a smartphone ban in schools. The party’s move comes following the Mail’s campaign for an age limit on smartphones.