The Government of Antigua and Barbuda's decision to explore restricting social media access for children under 16 deserves serious national conversation. Legislators pursuing such a measure should be supported by parents, educators, the faith-based community, health professionals, and young adults who experienced social media from an early age and understand both its opportunities and its risks.
Social media carries undeniable benefits. It provides instant access to educational resources, current affairs, history, online courses, and practical skills that can meaningfully enrich a young person's development. Used responsibly, it can be a powerful learning tool.
However, a growing body of research highlights significant concerns. Studies published by organisations including the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the American Psychological Association, and journals such as JAMA Pediatrics have found that problematic or excessive social media use is associated with increased anxiety, depression, poor sleep, lower self-esteem, and reduced well-being among adolescents. During these formative years, young people's brains are still developing, making them more vulnerable to impulsive behaviours and emotional influences.
Many social media platforms are intentionally designed to maximise engagement through endless scrolling, notifications, likes, and shares. For some young people, online validation becomes closely tied to self-worth. Children are also exposed to cyberbullying, misinformation, violent and sexually explicit content, and harmful stereotypes long before they have the maturity to process them appropriately.
Equally concerning is what social media often replaces. Time spent online can come at the expense of sports, volunteering, summer programmes, extracurricular activities, community involvement, and family interaction — experiences that help shape confident, resilient, and socially responsible young people.
While parents play a critical role, they cannot supervise their children every moment of the day. Public policy therefore carries a responsibility to support families in protecting children during this vital stage of development.
Restricting social media access for those under 16 is not about rejecting technology. It is about ensuring children have the opportunity to mature before being fully exposed to platforms that can profoundly influence their mental health, behaviour, and development. If enacted thoughtfully, such legislation would represent a meaningful investment in healthier, safer, and more resilient future generations.
— Jamie Saunders
