Mobile phone operators will have to provide parents with details of their child's mobile phone usage under a new code of practise aimed at safeguarding minors.
The code, introduced today by the Irish Cellular Industry Association (ICIA), establishes requirements that each mobile operator will adhere to.
Under the code, issues such as parental controls, malicious or offensive communications, spam, Internet access, premium rate services and access controls for age-restricted services are taken into account.
Speaking today, Minister for Communications Noel Dempsey said: "The code is to be welcomed as a significant contribution to the community and in particular to the protection of young people in our society."
Jackie van den Bergh, chairperson of the ICIA, said the operators were dedicated to the safe and responsible use of mobile phones.
The ICIA, is an alliance of the mobile operators - Vodafone, O2, Meteor and 3 Ireland - and the mobile handset manufacturers Nokia and Siemens.
