Gov’t mulls social media policy for children

KINGSTON, Jamaica—A social media policy for Jamaica’s children could be in the making.

Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton told the Parliament on Tuesday that research is underway to determine the level of harm being done to Jamaican children by social media.

He was making his contribution to the 2026-27 Sectoral Debate.

He said the research will “guide a conversation and certainly advocate for some changes in this regard.”

Describing it as a “public health threat”, Tufton said, “The time has come to use research-based policy formulation to determine age-based regulation, platform accountability, national digital health guidelines, school-based digital wellness education, expanded youth mental health services, public awareness campaigns for caregivers, and a national surveillance system to track usage patterns and mental health outcomes.”

He said the research will inform further advocacy around relevant policy. He added that with the completion of this national study on public perceptions of social media regulation for minors, “the Government will move decisively into the next phase of action.”

“We will translate these evidence-based findings into a clear policy framework by developing and assessing regulatory options, and engaging key stakeholders, including parents, educators, youth representatives, and digital platform providers, to ensure that any measures introduced are balanced, practical, and in the best interest of our children,” said Tufton.