We’re not doing enough to respond to the damage of social media
I WOULD like to voice a plea for the island to carefully consider the use of social media by under 16-year-olds.
Much is delivered to our young people about online safety but as an island I don’t think we are doing enough to respond to the damage of social media and time spent on phones.
I read your recent article explaining that Deputy Dudley-Owen felt that banning phones for under-16s was unrealistic and that may well be the case, but that isn’t, in my opinion, the debate we owe our young people. It is a more nuanced debate that is required. Which elements of phone use contribute to poor mental and physical health? What support do we provide for those harmed by social media use? What is appropriate use of these devices in different contexts?
To shy away from this hard topic is to abandon our children’s wellbeing.
Recent news headlines showing Jersey schools banning phone use during the school day and Australia considering banning social media for under-16s shows me there is an appetite to do more. Surely we want to follow their lead?
I am sure that many caring minds are considering this matter in Guernsey but the absence of public debate concerns me greatly.
SALLY ROCHESTER