Taoiseach Micheál Martin has expressed concerns about children getting phones at a “very young age” and turning away from sport.
New research from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) has found that 54% of nine-year-old children own their own phones. This is an increase of 10% in the last decade.
There was also a drop in the number of children taking part in sport, falling from 44% to 34% playing sport almost every day.
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The ESRI report found that children who are watching more television or using computers are less likely to engage in sports, reading for pleasure and cultural activities.
Speaking at the sod turning of the new Shanganagh Castle development in Shankill, south Dublin, the Taoiseach noted that children are being given mobile phones younger and younger.
“The research by the ESRI, it is a worry,” Mr Martin said.
“I think that research should inform the primary school curriculum, as it has to a certain extent, in terms of physical exercise at primary level and a higher level of participation in physical education and physical exercise.
“The emphasis has to be on every child having access to and being involved in physical exercise.
“The technological age, if I could use that phrase, particularly the internet era and the mobile phone, has led to a different pattern of living for children.
“Children very young are getting access to mobile phones and so forth. It's getting younger every generation which potentially means less activity.”
Mr Martin said that there are “tremendous opportunities” for children to get involved in sports.
He also said that there is a need to “double down” on female participation in sport.
The ESRI report was based on data from the “Growing Up in Ireland” study, comparing nine-year-olds in 2007/8 and 2017/18.
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