CJ backs social media age limit, cites brain development risks for children

Citing extensive international research, Chief Justice (ag.) Navindra Singh argued that children under the age of 18 should be subject to parental oversight when using social media, noting that evidence increasingly points to the risks associated with unrestricted access to online platforms.
He made these remarks on Monday during a national consultation on regulating children’s use of social media. Monday’s consultation was organised by the AG’s Chambers & Legal Affairs Ministry, on behalf of the Government of Guyana, at Cara Lodge, Quamina St, Georgetown, with the legal fraternity.
Referring to scientific research, the Chief Justice noted that the human brain does not fully develop until approximately age 25.
He explained that individuals between the ages of 12 and 17 are in a critical stage of emotional development, during which the brain’s socio-emotional system is still maturing, making young people more sensitive to external influences and reward-seeking behaviour.
The Government of Guyana has launched a national consultation on regulating or banning children’s use of social media.
While the Government has signalled that it may prefer regulation over an outright ban, it has emphasised the need to prevent abuse and mitigate the negative impacts associated with social media use. From the outset, the Government has also acknowledged the benefits of the World Wide Web and social media, including access to educational opportunities.
“I would strongly suggest that the minimum age be 18, and I base that on a scientific approach. I did some reading before coming to this forum. I recall reading that the brain does not stop developing until about age 25, particularly the socio-emotional system. During adolescence, children are highly sensitive and tend to seek rewards and validation,” Justice Singh stated.
He added that one of the problems associated with social media is that it can contribute to stress and peer pressure, which in his view leaves a bad result.
“As a result, children are more susceptible to negative influences and may be encouraged to engage in inappropriate behaviour. Therefore, I would suggest that the minimum age should be 18,” he stated.
Meanwhile, he noted that given the wide range of social media platforms available, children do not necessarily need access to every type of platform.
“Social media can be divided into several categories, and there are some categories that children do not need to be on. I do not believe they need to be on media-sharing and social networking platforms. However, they may benefit from discussion forums and communication applications,” he added.

Inadvertently encourage
Meanwhile, Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall said that parents must have an honest conversation about their own role in children’s social media use. He noted that many parents often hand children mobile devices to keep them occupied while they themselves spend time browsing social media.
He contended that excessive time spent on digital devices reduces opportunities for physical activity and social development, adding that some parents inadvertently encourage this behaviour because they do not want to be interrupted while using their own devices.
“Therefore, regulating social media from the perspective of children becomes an important aspect of parenting. The state, as efficient as we may believe we are, cannot and should not regulate how you interact with your children. That responsibility rests primarily with parents. That is why almost every ministry in the Government has been consulting with various organisations within their respective areas of responsibility and expertise. We want everyone to be involved in this conversation.
AG Anil Nandlall stated that many countries have already implemented similar initiatives, noting that Guyana is not “reinventing the wheel”. However, he emphasised the need to develop an approach that is uniquely suited to Guyana’s realities, dynamics, and societal characteristics.
Nandlall said the Government intends to create an original framework that could eventually be shared with Caribbean partners while remaining open to modifications and adjustments. He added that the administration is keen to advance the process as quickly as possible.
He further highlighted that digitisation remains a major pillar of the Government’s development agenda, with efforts underway to digitise services and systems across the entire public sector.