Bishop of Limerick urges Lenten 'digital detox'

BISHOP of Limerick, Brendan Leahy, has called on adults to undertake a 40-day “digital detox” this Lent, urging parents in particular to lead by example amid growing concern about social media addiction and online harm among young people.

In his Lenten Letter to all parishes which is posted on the diocesan website, Bishop Leahy said that this year the reflection across Lent in the diocese is to be on the third of the three pillars of Lent – prayer, almsgiving and fasting. Bishop Leahy sets out in the letter the background around fasting, how it helps people and options for fasting, among them digital detox.

Speaking also about Safer Internet Day, Bishop Leahy said that social media can have a positive influence in enabling us to connect, spread good news. “We are more aware today of the addictive algorithmic designs in social media.”

“And we all know there are dangerous aspects and the risk of over dependence, so much so that Australia has introduced a world-first social media ban for children under 16 and so many other countries, including our own, have begun considering a similar approach. So, why not take a lead and make a commitment during Lent to embark on a digital detox,” he said.

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Bishop Leahy added that one of the worst vagaries to emerge from the digital revolution is the easy access to pornography, to an extent that it has become an addiction for many. “Research in Ireland suggests 64% of 20-year-old men use pornography, which is linked to potential addiction, lower wellbeing, and poorer mental health.”

“So, with our children the most vulnerable to social media, why not take this Lent to show them example and have adults put down the social media tools, while at the same time raising your voice for a ban on social media for children up to even 17 years.”

Bishop Leahy continued: “Let Ireland, a nation where family is a cornerstone of society, go further than any other in terms of protecting our children. What a big and proud statement that would be as we emerge from Lent.”

“It is incumbent on us all to encourage each other and especially young people to use digital tools safely and ethically. For that, a formation that helps young people (learn) how to live their digital lives is needed. Lent can be a time to contribute to such a formation.”

Bishop Leahy also recommended people consider designated device-free times such as mealtimes and, indeed, bedtime. “There is evidence that suggests that three quarters of people take their phones to bed and over half spend more time than they intend on their phones. So, family tech-free days can help children and adults reconnect with hobbies and the physical world,” he added.

Bishop Leahy said that this Lent will see a new set of weekly prayer and reflection resources, Baptised and Sent in Lent, offering a simple and accessible structure for Prayer and Gospel reflection.