Parenting is never easy. Every generation faces their own set of challenges. But most parents step up to the mark and rear well-adjusted children who go on to do the same for their children.

We all like to think we are responsible parents, capable of protecting our children from the bad stuff.

We hold their hands, we don’t let them out of our sight and we know who all their little friends are.

And then we give then a smartphone or a tablet.

Our children were given a mobile phone when they started secondary school.

The phones were so handy as you could check the children’s whereabouts and let them know you were on the way to collect them. The only game they could play was Snake.

They couldn’t take photographs or videos and there was no Facebook, Instagram or Snapchat for the older two.

Yes, there was texting, which left the door open to bullying right into a child’s bedroom. We only let them use the computer in the kitchen so all was in full view.

In the space of 10 years, how things have changed – and not for the better. The continual reports of the sexual predation of young children online sends shivers down my spine.

To think that children can be contacted, groomed and made to expose themselves to strangers is appalling.

That these images can then be shared online to boost the credentials of these evil people and allow them access even more disturbing images is beyond evil.

Talking to parents of young children and teenagers, this is their greatest worry and even the most tech-savvy among them feel helpless in dealing with it.

I cannot understand how the multi-billion euro companies whose platforms are being abused by this behaviour haven’t yet come up with restrictions to ensure children are protected.

I’m with Senator Catherine Noone, who maintains these companies are not providing an adequate duty of care for their users.

Good God, imagine if the Irish Farmers Journal were to provide such a platform – we’d be closed down immediately.

These companies have the resources to greatly restrict this appalling activity and if they don’t do it willingly, then they should be forced to by legislation.

The appointment of a national digital safety officer with powers to force companies to take down offensive material can’t come fast enough.

Turning to more cheerful subjects, there’s a great job advertisement on page 23. I should know as it’s mine. After almost 11 years, I have decided to step down as editor of rish Country Living.

It hasn’t been an easy decision but it’s the right one for me. Mind you, you haven’t seen the back of me yet as I will be continuing as a journalist with the paper.

Being editor of Irish Country Living really is a dream job.

I’ve met so many great people who, by their enterprise, community involvement and enthusiasm, brighten up rural Ireland. It’s been an honour to tell their stories.

I would like to thank everyone who helped and advised me along the way. I dare not mention names as there have been so many without whose support I couldn’t have done the job.

I owe a special thanks to my family who backed and supported me all the way.

It will take a little while to get a new editor in place but, whoever it is, they will have my full support and I wish them every success.

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