Press Release From The Ministry of Health And Wellness - July 28, 2026
A national survey commissioned by the Ministry of Health and Wellness has revealed public support for action to address the impact of social media on children and adolescents.
The survey, commissioned under the Ministry's Community Arranged Response Efforts (CARE) Agenda, discloses Jamaicans’ views regarding the regulation of social media use as the Government seeks to better understand how social media influences health outcomes and behavioural choices.
Unveiling the findings during a press conference with stakeholders earlier today (Tuesday, July 28), Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, MP emphasised that while social media usage has been a pathway for innovation and creativity, its impact on health and well-being is a valid concern.
“Across Jamaica, parents, teachers, healthcare professionals, child advocates and communities have expressed increasing concern about children's exposure to cyberbullying, online predators, misinformation, harmful and inappropriate content, addictive digital behaviours and algorithm-driven content that can negatively influence mental health and emotional development,” Minister Tufton said.
“These are no longer simply technology issues. They are public health issues, they are child protection issues, and they are national development issues,” the Minister added.
The Minister noted that the survey’s chief focus is for national dialogue to ensure that digital engagement takes place in a safe and healthy environment. In this regard, a Working Group on Responsible Social Media Use Among Minors has been established within the Office of the Prime Minister as part of efforts to address the issue.
The group is chaired by Minister Dr. Andrew Wheatley and is tasked with reviewing evidence and helping to shape recommendations for policymakers.
Representing the Ministry of Health & Wellness on the Working Group are, Lead Researcher and Research Fellow at the University of the West Indies, Dr. Stephen Johnson; and Dr. Ganesh Shetty, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information is also a part of this Working Group.
Jamaicans will be engaged on the issue through public education and stakeholder consultation.
Concerns follow findings
More than 90 per cent of respondents to the nationally representative study which surveyed 1,027 adults across all 14 parishes support Government regulation of minors’ social media use, while nearly 84 per cent favour the establishment of a national policy framework to guide safe social media engagement among young people.
As part of the discussions, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Dr. Ganesh Shetty presented research pointing to increasing links between excessive social media use and mental health challenges among young people, including anxiety, depression, disrupted sleep patterns, low self-esteem and social isolation. Jamaican youth under age 24 are reported to spend an average of six hours daily on social media platforms.
At the same time, the survey revealed that Jamaicans favour a balanced approach to social media usage rather than strict prohibition. Approximately 45 per cent of respondents supported a combination of regulation, parent education, digital literacy programmes and public awareness initiatives.
The results also underscored the importance of shared responsibility. While strong support exists for Government action, most Jamaicans believe parents, schools, communities and other stakeholders must play leading roles in protecting children online.
"No Government policy can replace active parenting. No legislation can replace guidance within the home. No technology platform can replace the influence of families, teachers, and communities,” Minister Tufton stated. "Protecting children online must be a national partnership."
____________________
Did Dr Tufton's research grouo participate in this study? When did Dr. Shetty become a researcher? How was the study funded? How was thevresearch blinded? Who actually conducted the research and data analysis? What methods were used? Were push questions asked? Etc. Etc.Dr Tufton speaks like an idiot, not an academic. No "research" he is involved with should be given any credence. But the tame media will shrilly parrot these useless trivia as facts. Pretending they meet even basic criteria for research findings.Simply becausr European and American (actual) researchers found a particular pattern does not mean the same thing should be extrapolatef here. Go read, "How to lie with statistics." Peep the game.
ReplyDelete