Guyana: Legal Minds Discuss Age Limit for Social Media Access in Guyana

Legal professionals in Guyana convened to discuss the implications of social media access for individuals under 18 years of age. Chief Justice Navindra Singh proposed implementing parental controls for social media access for minors, emphasizing a scientific basis for setting the age limit at 18. Justice Lisa Shoman, General Counsel for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), raised concerns about the Caribbean market size and its potential impact on social media companies’ compliance with local laws.

During the consultation organized by the Attorney General’s Chambers, Attorney General Anil Nandlall supported the notion of regulating access for those under 18. Deputy Chief Parliamentary Counsel Joann Bond highlighted existing legislation in countries like the United Kingdom, which prohibits children under 16 from using popular platforms such as Snapchat and TikTok. She noted that Guyana’s legal framework provides special protections for children, recognizing their developmental vulnerabilities.

Concerns were raised regarding mental health, cognitive development, and the risks of cyberbullying and exposure to harmful content. Chief Justice Singh pointed out that the brain continues to develop until around age 25, making adolescents particularly susceptible to social media pressures. He suggested that children should engage with educational platforms rather than social networking sites.

Attorney Nandlall clarified that the proposed law would not involve government enforcement within homes but would rely on parental responsibility. Former Chancellor of the Judiciary Carl Singh advocated for educating parents about parental controls to help mitigate risks associated with social media use.

Justice Shoman emphasized the importance of including youth perspectives in the legislative process, advocating for child-safe platforms that do not hinder their development in the digital age. Lawyer Dharshan Ramdhani discussed the need for social media companies to establish local offices for legal compliance and suggested potential consequences for non-compliance.

Concerns about the Caribbean’s market size were reiterated, with calls for regional collaboration to enhance enforcement capabilities. Attorney Emily Dodson proposed conducting a social survey to gauge public support for the regulatory age, while Retired Justice Kenneth Benjamin urged flexibility in age limits, considering the varying developmental paces of children. The Attorney General indicated that further consultations would follow the drafting of the legislation.

Source: demerarawaves.com