Majority of Jamaicans support regulating social media use by minors, survey finds

A national survey on social media and its impact on children and adolescents has found that the majority of respondents support regulating social media use by minors, but not banning it, the Ministry of Health and Wellness revealed today.

The survey, commissioned under the Ministry's Community Arranged Response Efforts (CARE) Agenda, captures Jamaicans' views on the regulation of social media use as the Government seeks to better understand how social media influences health outcomes and behavioural choices.

The findings were unveiled by Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Christopher Tufton, at a press conference on Monday.

A total of 1,027 adults were surveyed across all 14 parishes.

The Ministry said the survey found that more than 90 per cent of respondents support Government regulation of minors' social media use, while nearly 84 per cent favour the establishment of a national policy framework to guide safe social media engagement among young people.

As part of the discussions, child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr Ganesh Shetty presented research pointing to growing links between excessive social media use and mental health challenges among young people, including anxiety, depression, disrupted sleep patterns, low self-esteem and social isolation.

It was also revealed that Jamaican youth under the age of 24 spend an average of six hours daily on social media platforms.

At the same time, the survey, according to the Ministry of Health and Wellness, found that Jamaicans favour a balanced approach to social media use rather than strict prohibition.

It added that approximately 45 per cent of respondents supported a combination of regulation, parental education, digital literacy programmes and public awareness initiatives.

The Ministry argued that the results underscore the importance of shared responsibility, noting that while there is strong support for Government action, most Jamaicans believe parents, schools, communities and other stakeholders must play leading roles in protecting children online.

"No Government policy can replace active parenting. No legislation can replace guidance within the home. No technology platform can replace the influence of families, teachers and communities," Tufton said.

"Protecting children online must be a national partnership," he added.

During his address, Tufton emphasised that while social media has created opportunities for innovation and creativity, its impact on health and wellbeing is a legitimate concern.

"Across Jamaica, parents, teachers, healthcare professionals, child advocates and communities have expressed increasing concern about children's exposure to cyberbullying, online predators, misinformation, harmful and inappropriate content, addictive digital behaviours and algorithm-driven content that can negatively influence mental health and emotional development," Tufton said.

"These are no longer simply technology issues. They are public health issues, child protection issues and national development issues," the Minister added.

Tufton said the survey is intended to stimulate a national dialogue to ensure that digital engagement takes place in a safe and healthy environment.

In this regard, a Working Group on Responsible Social Media Use Among Minors has been established within the Office of the Prime Minister as part of efforts to address the issue.

The group is chaired by Minister with responsibility for Science, Technology and Special Projects in the Office of the Prime Minister, Dr Andrew Wheatley, and is tasked with reviewing evidence and helping to shape recommendations for policymakers.

Representing the Ministry of Health and Wellness on the working group are lead researcher and Research Fellow at the University of the West Indies, Dr Stephen Johnson, and consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr Ganesh Shetty.

The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information is also represented on the working group.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness said Jamaicans will be engaged on the issue through public education and stakeholder consultations.

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