Gov’t to unveil study on impact of social media, eyes restrictions for children under 16 - Tufton

The Government is looking to engage Jamaicans in a national discussion on imposing a ban on social media access for children under the age of 16, Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton has revealed.

Speaking at a post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House on Wednesday, Tufton said a study examining the impact of social media on the Jamaican population is nearing completion and will help inform the conversation.

“In another two weeks, we'll be unveiling a study which is almost complete on the impact of social media on our population,” the minister said.

He said the Government intends to gauge public sentiment on the possibility of restricting social media access for children aged 16 and under.

“We are doing a national survey, both quantitative and qualitative. I do intend to take the results to Cabinet, along with some recommendations, and that's a conversation that we hope to promote in communities as part of the discussion,” he said.

Tufton said the findings will be presented to Cabinet along with policy recommendations.

Several countries have moved to tighten restrictions on children's use of social media in recent years.

Meanwhile, the health minister noted that similar studies are being conducted on energy drinks and other substances that are not traditional drugs, as well as emerging drugs.

“The molly and the other stuff, vaping, all of those things are going to be part of the agenda going forward as we seek to engage communities,” said Tufton.

- Kimone Francis

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