MINISTERS have signalled support “in principle” for restricting smartphone and social media use by under-16s, as the government continues wider efforts to better protect children and young people from online harm.
An update was provided yesterday on the ministerial work being carried out following a review of Jersey’s approach to online safety by the Children, Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel last year.
The panel’s report was published in November and warned that Jersey was falling short in comparison to other jurisdictions when it came to safeguards protecting children from potential harm through digital platforms and content.
It made a number of recommendations, including that the government should prioritise the development of a comprehensive online safety strategy.
Yesterday’s update noted that the Law Commission has been asked to “identify gaps” in Jersey’s legislation and bring forward recommended changes.
It also stated that “ministers recognise public concerns and support in principle the idea of restrictions to limit the use of smartphones and social media in under-16s”.
“A ministerial group has been established to lead and oversee Jersey’s ongoing response to online safety challenges,” the update continued.
“The group will bring together ministers from across relevant portfolios, enabling joined‑up decisions and ensuring Jersey remains responsive to emerging risks affecting children and young people in digital spaces.”
Last week, Assistant Children’s Minister Malcolm Ferey told States Members that the government had been speaking to telecoms companies to understand “what steps each of the providers were taking to support parents to protect their children from online harms”, including when purchasing and setting up digital devices.
Yesterday’s statement added: “Discussions have focused on the advice and information currently being offered at point of sale, including the availability of parental controls and filtering tools, and how this guidance can be strengthened and made clearer for families.
“The government will continue to engage closely with industry, schools, parents, and safeguarding organisations.
“Work already underway will continue at pace to deliver existing commitments to strengthen protections for children and support families in the digital world.”
Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham said that protecting children and young people from online harm was a responsibility the government took “extremely seriously”.
“While important work is already under way across government, we know that the digital landscape changes quickly, and our response must be able to change just as fast,” he added.
Speaking to the JEP, Deputy Catherine Curtis – who chairs the Children, Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel – said that she thought the Law Commission would “do a very good job” with the legislative gap analysis, highlighting that this was one of the tasks recommended in the scrutiny report.
“Overall, I’m encouraged that the government is taking action at this stage,” she added.
In September, restriction on mobile phone use during the school day was introduced for students up to Year 11 in government schools.
