In an era dominated by digital technology where tablets and smartphones have become commonplace parenting tools, Archbishop Jason Gordon has ignited crucial discussions about implementing legislative controls on minors’ social media access. The prominent religious leader contends that certain online platforms demonstrate higher addictive potential than alcohol, advocating for regulatory measures similar to existing prohibitions on underage alcohol sales.
The archbishop’s comments emerge alongside governmental considerations to raise legal ages for alcohol, cannabis consumption, and gambling in Trinidad and Tobago. Gordon specifically referenced Australia’s groundbreaking legislation that prohibits children under 16 from accessing major social media services including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Threads, X, YouTube, Reddit, Kick, and Twitch.
This Australian model, currently being monitored by numerous countries, completely deactivates existing profiles and prevents new account creation for minors. Meanwhile, these platforms remain freely accessible in Trinidad and Tobago to any individual with digital devices and internet connectivity.
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Trinidad and Tobago has adopted, guarantees children protections from harmful influences while ensuring their rights to development, health, education, and recreation. Archbishop Gordon argues that unfiltered social media content often exposes young minds to uncensored information that can promote detrimental behavior and unrealistic expectations.
While constitutional protections safeguard freedom of speech, religious authorities emphasize the necessity to balance these rights with protecting children from offensive and addictive content. The government’s proposed age restriction changes for substances and gambling aim to prevent early addiction and restore social discipline, initiatives that Archbishop Gordon believes should extend to digital protections through comprehensive societal cooperation and innovative enforcement strategies.