State’s duty of care

THAT more than 200 families have signed up to the landmark internet and technology agreement introduced by Clarecastle National School in relation to the banning of smartphones is wonderful news and something that should be celebrated.

For what this illustrates is a school that has taken control, that has put the safety of its children first, and, in so doing, has spelled out the dangers of smartphone use to parents and asked for their support.

That the Clarecastle parents have been prepared not only to listen, but to be proactive and tackle the problem head-on, speaks well for their commitment and concern.

And yet, as we have said here on countless occasions, parents should not be asked to deal with this issue on their own. This is not merely a matter of parental discipline, of calling children into line and telling them what they can and cannot do. This is an issue of societal proportions and, as such, both deserves and requires the intervention of the Government.

It’s time it stepped up to the plate and acknowledged the importance of the role that it can play when it comes to the wellbeing of our children.