Professor Mathew Sadlier also told a Festival of Politics event that ‘societal change’ is needed around children’s use of smartphones.

The incident happened during an online meeting for young people with Special Educational Needs.

New Esri research, commissioned by BlockW, highlights the complexities and risks associated with children’s digital technology use.

Last September, CyberSafeKids published a report revealing that 65% of children aged eight to 12 in Ireland had been contacted by a stranger online.

Cimarron Thomas from West Virginia took her own life during online abuse by the predator from Newry

The abuser contacted a girl aged just 12 and later went on to blackmail her into sending photos of her sister, 10.

Coimisiun na Mean will have the power to impose the penalties which fall under EU regulations.

The High Court rejected all of the media companies' arguments against Coimisiún na Meán decisions.

Regina Doherty made the remarks during hustings for some of the candidates vying for election as an MEP in the Dublin constituency.

The tech giant has unveiled a range of new tools, including a nudity filter in direct messages and working with other firms on finding bad actors.

The judge said it may be that the Tumblr and Reddit cases should be heard together, but hopefully she could facilitate both at a May hearing.