TÁNAISTE SIMON HARRIS has said he wants to put an age restriction on social media in Ireland as it is “experimenting with the minds” of young people.

Harris made the comments to reporters in Croatia, where he is currently visiting to discuss the bilateral relationship between the country and Ireland.

He said that after speaking with other European leaders he sees that many countries are considering social media restrictions.

He described the impact of social media on young people, both nationally and intentionally, as being “on the verge of a public health emergency”.

“I think social media is almost experimenting with the minds, the brains, of children, and that can’t be tolerated,” he said.

“I really believe we need to bring in restrictions and prohibit the use of social media for people under a certain age.”

He referenced driving and alcohol age restrictions, and said a similar situation should be created in relation to social media.

“What I was really struck by is that this is an issue that I know a number of other European countries are considering, and I think we could do good work in the European level on this,” he said.

A social media ban for children under 16 was implemented in Australia last month in a world-first move.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed the ban at the time, but warned the implementation would be difficult.

With reporting from Christina Finn.

French lawmakers this week approved a bill barring under‑15s from using social platforms, and the idea has also been considered by several Indian states.