The Cabinet has begun discussions on whether Antigua and Barbuda should introduce restrictions on social media access for children aged 16 and under, as part of broader efforts to protect young people from the potential harms of online platforms.

Speaking during Thursday’s post-Cabinet media briefing, Chief of Staff in the Office of the Prime Minister Lionel “Max” Hurst stressed that no decision has been taken and no policy has yet been adopted. However, he confirmed that the issue is now under active consideration.

“There is no decision on that. There is no particular movement towards a ban or any means of curtailing access to certain social media,” Hurst said.

He explained that Cabinet believes the conversation is necessary as governments around the world grapple with the impact social media is having on children and teenagers.

While acknowledging that legislative options may eventually be explored, Hurst emphasized that parents remain the first line of defence in protecting children online.

“The government believes that the first order of ensuring that our young people are not negatively affected by social media are the parents,” he said.

The discussions are expected to continue over the coming weeks and months as the government considers whether additional safeguards are needed for minors using social media platforms.

Several countries have already begun implementing or debating age-based restrictions on social media access amid growing concerns about cyberbullying, mental health, online exploitation and excessive screen time among young users.

Government officials have not indicated what form any future measures in Antigua and Barbuda might take if the discussions advance.