Topics covered: Online safety, childhood, parenting, smartphones, social media, gaming, Roblox, algorithms, manipulation, digital autonomy, grooming, sextortion, exploitation, CSAM, pornography, harmful content, suicide, sharenting, digital literacy, boundaries, notifications, screen time, peer pressure, parental responsibility, online reporting.
CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes discussions of child sexual abuse material, sexual exploitation, grooming, sextortion, pornography, suicide and other disturbing subjects. It is intended for adult listeners and is not suitable for children.
My guest in this episode is Mick Moran, CEO of Hotline.ie, Ireland's national reporting centre for suspected illegal online content, particularly child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
He spent 34 years in An Garda Síochána before joining Hotline.ie.
Recorded during the summer of 2026, this is a frank and, at times, deeply unsettling conversation about the online world we're living in and what it means for our children.
A significant part of our conversation focuses on parenting. When should children get their first smartphone? Are we putting them at a disadvantage by delaying access? How can we prepare them for what they might encounter online before they ever have a device of their own?
This isn't about judging parents or pretending there are easy answers. As a mother of two young children, I'm very aware that many of these decisions are ahead of me too.
Resources and support
Hotline.ie - Irish Internet Hotline
Ireland's national reporting centre where members of the public can securely, anonymously and confidentially report suspected illegal online content, especially child sexual abuse material.
CyberSafeKids
An Irish charity providing research, education and practical online safety resources for children, parents and schools.
Smartphone Free Childhood Ireland
A parent-led movement supporting families and school communities who want to delay children's access to smartphones and social media.
Webwise
Ireland's online safety awareness centre, offering information and educational resources on social media, gaming, cyberbullying, privacy and digital wellbeing.
ISPCC / Childline
Confidential support for children and young people, including those affected by harmful online experiences.
Childline: 1800 66 66 66 (24-hour support).
National Parents Council
Advice, education and support for parents, including guidance on children's online safety and wellbeing.
Irish Safer Internet Centre
Hotline.ie is a member of the Irish Safer Internet Centre alongside Webwise, ISPCC Childline and the National Parents Council. Together, these organisations provide reporting services, education, guidance and support to help children and families navigate the internet more safely.
https://hotline.ie/safer-internet-centre/
The 4 Cs of online risk
Mick refers to the CO:RE 4 Cs framework, which identifies four broad categories of online risk to children:
Content - Exposure to potentially harmful or inappropriate online material.
Contact - Harmful interactions with others online, including grooming and unwanted contact.
Conduct - Harmful online behaviour involving children, including cyberbullying, harassment and harmful peer interactions.
Contract - Commercial and transactional risks, including scams, fraud, data exploitation and manipulative marketing.
Books mentioned :
The Anxious Generation - Jonathan Haidt
Explores the impact of smartphones, social media and changes in childhood on young people's mental health and development.
The Amazing Generation - Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price
A companion book aimed at children aged approximately 9-12, encouraging healthier relationships with technology and more freedom, connection and adventure in the real world.
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