No social media ban

In what is said to be “one of the most comprehensive national assessments ever undertaken” on social media use by minors in Jamaica, the majority of citizens surveyed have baulked at a total ban but say Government must lead the way in implementing policy with strong parental involvement when it comes to enforcement. “The results show overwhelming public support for some level of Government action,” said Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton. He was delivering the main address, Tuesday, during a press conference to release findings of the National Study on Social Media Use and the Protection of Children.

The event was held at the Courtyard by Mariott Hotel in St Andrew. According to Tufton, nine out of every 10 respondents, or 90.2 per cent, support Government regulation of minors’ social media use, while 2.9 per cent expressed opposition. In addition, he said, nearly 84 per cent believe Jamaica should establish a clear national policy framework governing minors’ use of social media.

Tufton said from reading the study he formed the opinion that the subject has been “a long-standing concern, but not talked about as much”. Dr Stephen Johnson, lead researcher on the National Study on Social Media Use and the Protection of Children, unveiled on Tuesday at the Courtyard by Mariott Hotel in St Andrew, shares the findings during a press conference called by the Ministry of Health, where he is a consultant. (Photo: Naphtali Junior) “I was surprised when I saw the results.

A strong message: The Jamaican people recognise that this is an issue requiring national attention, and they expect thoughtful leadership on the issue. But perhaps the most significant finding is not simply that Jamaicans support some levels of Government action; it is that they believe this responsibility must be shared, and I was very heartened at that,” the minister stated. Citing the report, he said only 12.7 per cent of respondents believe Government should lead this effort alone.

“Again, that’s very good to know, because it means people will want to engage,” Tufton said, while adding that 40.5 per cent of respondents believe parents/guardians should play the leading role, while another 39 per cent favoured shared responsibility among parents, schools, Government, communities, and other stakeholders. “The finding is especially important, because it reminds us of something we alrea…