Caption: Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Photo: T&T Parliament
By Alicia Chamely
THE government is prepared to consider legislation to regulate social media use for children under 12, but parents and guardians must remain vigilant and monitor their children’s online activity, says Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
Taking to her X account on Tuesday evening, Persad-Bissessar took note of Archbishop Charles Jason Gordons statement on Monday calling for the government to legislate restrictions for the use of social media by minors.
Responding to Gordon, Persad-Bissessar stated she had taken note of the Archbishop’s call for laws safeguarding children from the danger of children, saying, “His concerns are valid. Our children must be safeguarded from harm.”
Persad-Bissessar stated, “My Government is prepared to consider legislation to regulate social media use for children under the age of 12. This is not without precedent. Across the world, governments are examining and implementing measures to protect children in an increasingly hostile digital environment.”
She acknowledged social media was a “powerful platform” for free speech and communication, but cautioned that it also carried severe danger to children through harmful exposure to adult content and online harassment.
Persad-Bissessar stated that while her government was prepared to take the necessary legislative steps to protect children online, the first line of defence against the dangers of social media for children were their parents and guardians.
“As we examine legislative options, I urge parents and guardians to remain vigilant. Monitor the devices your children use and the content they are exposed to,” she stated.
Adding, “The strongest and most effective social media regulation begins at home, with responsible parenting and active engagement in your children’s lives.”
Examining social media beyond its use by minors, Persad-Bissessar noted there may be a need to examine protections for private citizens.
Persad-Bissessar stated, “There may also be a need to strengthen protections for private citizens who are subjected to online abuse and harassment. Those in public life, including myself, understand that scrutiny comes with the responsibility we carry, and we do not seek special protection.”
“Our courts have already recognised the serious harm that can arise from the spread of false and malicious information online. Yet too many decent private law-abiding citizens lack the means to defend themselves against anonymous and faceless attackers,” she continued.
Persad-Bissessar acknowledged, however, “any blanket ban on adults would amount to an unacceptable encroachment on freedom of speech and expression.”
Australia has banned social media use for children under 16.
