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Antigua and Barbuda Urged to Consider Restricting Social Media Access for Children Amid Global Concerns
By Aabigayle McIntosh
Legislators in Antigua and Barbuda are being urged to consider implementing restrictions on social media use for children in certain age groups. Consultant Psychiatrist Dr. Chenelle Joseph suggests that such discussions could be explored locally, given global concerns about the dangers of children’s over-exposure to social media.
Dr Chenelle Joseph
These talks are already underway in Australia following Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s announcement encouraging children to spend more time engaging in physical activities instead of using phones. Albanese revealed that the Australian government plans to launch an age verification trial in the coming months, as part of legislation aimed at restricting social media access for minors.
“We often find ways around rules, even as adults. But at the very least, we should try to limit children’s access to harmful information and make it more difficult for them to encounter dangerous content,” Dr. Joseph emphasized during a state media program on Tuesday night.
Dr. Joseph also advocated for mental health evaluations as part of the process for individuals applying for gun licenses. She noted that although Antigua and Barbuda does not currently face high rates of suicide by firearm, proactive measures, such as mandatory mental health assessments, should be implemented before the situation worsens.
This debate mirrors discussions happening in the United States, where concerns over social media’s impact on young people are also gaining attention.
Duh????? Are we here in Antigua and Barbuda so far removed from the realities of today’s values formulated and exported around the globe that we fail to realize the unnecessarily destructive influence and effects that social media access has on all of us especially our children. We are now raising our children according to the dictates of so-called advanced civilizations; our community institutions- churches, schools, social clubs etc. – all imitate and operate annd are fashioned after the social media version of “modern and progressive” models. For fear of ruffling the feathers of the elitist and their middle and lower class wannabes, we jump on the bandwagon, FULLY COGNISANT of the destructive outcomes of such deliberate silence and inaction on our once idyllic island way of life!!!
These are types of legislation that needs to have the all 3 readings done in one sitting.
We should stop expecting legislators to legislate everything. Parents need to step up to the plate and start parenting. Noble and good parents understands the necessity to restrict their kids screen times and to monitor what their children does on social media. The burden of monitoring and controlling your children’s social media access is yours….not government.