Dr Louise Heeran Flynn, Assistant Professor in Teacher Education in the School of Education has been appointed to a high-level European Commission Special Panel on Child Safety Online, convened by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The Special Panel advises the Commission President on child safety online and potential age limits for social media and other online services in Europe. In her 2025 State of the Union address, President von der Leyen acknowledged the benefits digital technologies, including social media, offer to minors – alongside with risks, such as cyberbullying, adult content, self-harm promotion, and addictive algorithms. To better protect and empower minors online, the President announced that she would commission a panel of specialists to advise on the best approach for Europe on child safety online and potential age restrictions for social media.

This prestigious panel brings together leading experts from various fields, including health, neuroscience, education, psychology, computer science, child rights, and digital literacy, from across the EU to provide independent, evidence-informed advice on how to create safer and more inclusive digital environments for children and young people. Its work will inform future EU policy in relation to social media, online platforms, and emerging digital technologies.

This appointment builds on the School of Education's established national and international reputation for excellence in research activity and leadership, impacting upon and effecting positive change in society, by bridging the gap between research, practice and policy and aligns with the university's vision to be a university that challenges and serves society, making positive and lasting change through the advancement of knowledge and discovery.