Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says her government is open to legislation regulating social media use for children under 12, but stressed that any blanket ban on adults would infringe on freedom of speech.
Responding to Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon’s call to protect children online, she acknowledged the real dangers social media poses, including exposure to harmful content, exploitation, bullying, and harassment.
The Prime Minister indicated that the government is open to exploring legislation specifically aimed at regulating social media use for children under the age of 12, noting that such measures are not without precedent. She pointed out that governments around the world are already examining and implementing policies to protect children in what she described as an increasingly hostile digital environment.
She also highlighted the challenges private citizens face defending against online abuse, even as courts recognise the harm caused by false or malicious information.
The Prime Minister urged parents to remain vigilant, monitor their children’s devices, and provide guidance, emphasizing that responsible parenting remains the most effective safeguard in a digital age.