July 28, 2026
Working group established as Gov’t aims to craft framework to promote responsible social media use among minors
Written byIRIEFM NEWS
Written by: Sugar Ray Thomas
A Working Group has been established in the Office of the Prime Minister, as the Government aims to craft a framework to promote responsible social media use among minors.
The group will incorporate the findings of a national survey on social media use and the protection of children in its discussions.
The study was released earlier today during a press conference hosted by the Health and Wellness Ministry at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel.
It revealed among other things that 9 of every 10 or 90.2 per cent of respondents support government regulation of social media use by minors.
Portfolio Minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton said the working group will be chaired by Minister with responsibility for Science, Technology and Special Projects, Dr. Andrew Wheatley.
The Health Ministry is also represented in the group by lead researcher of the survey, Dr. Stephen Johnson.
Additionally, the Education Ministry will be represented on the body.
Dr. Tufton reiterated that no policy decision has been taken by the government to regulate social media use by minors at this time.
In the meantime, Researcher Dr. Stephen Johnson has cautioned that Jamaicans are not supporting an outright social media ban for minors.
He was clarifying one of the findings of a national survey on social media use and the protection of children.
Dr. Johnson, who was the lead researcher of the survey, said the response is indicating that more discussion is needed on what form the regulation should take.
Dr. Johnson also explained that over 80 per cent of respondents support a clear policy framework that governs social media use by children.
At the same time, respondents are of the view that the rights of minors must be balanced, while any form of regulation is contemplated.
