HGP Nightly News – The Government of Guyana has opened national consultations on the impact of social media on children, as it moves toward possible regulation of online spaces that officials say are exposing minors to harmful and inappropriate content.
Attorney General Anil Nandlall said the consultation was launched at the World Trade Center under the leadership of Minister of Governance Gail Teixeira, following an initiative by President Irfaan Ali.
According to Nandlall, the President has spoken extensively about the need to regulate social media and internet use, especially where children are concerned.
The Attorney General said children must be protected from what he described as the “vulgarities” and “dark side of the web,” while still being allowed to benefit from educational and useful online content.
“You are all users of the web. You are all users of social media. And you know the content that is available there,” Nandlall said.
He warned that without proper safeguards, children can easily access material that is not suitable for them.
“We have decided to start work on establishing a regulatory framework that will protect our children from the pernicious materials that are available on the worldwide web and on social media,” he stated.
Nandlall said the government is not seeking to block children from accessing positive online material, noting that the internet contains educational resources and information that can support their development.
However, he said the concern is with content that children should not be exposed to.
“What will be regulated is things and materials that children ought not to have access to,” he said.
The Attorney General acknowledged that any move to regulate social media can raise suspicion, especially over fears of censorship and state control.
He sought to assure the public that the government’s intention is not to silence citizens or interfere with free expression.
“This is not an attempt to censor. This is not an attempt to interfere with anyone’s freedom of expression, or freedom of thought, or freedom to access the media,” Nandlall said.
“This is simply for the protection of our children,” he added.
Nandlall argued that Guyana cannot ignore the issue any longer, saying the time has come for the country to examine how social media should be regulated.
He noted that several countries across the world have already moved in that direction, particularly where children’s online safety is concerned.
According to him, countries in Europe, South America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand have already introduced laws or measures dealing with social media and children.
Nandlall said Guyana will study those models instead of trying to create a framework from scratch.
“We are not going to reinvent the wheel,” he said.
He added that the government will examine existing legislation from other countries, while also considering Guyana’s own social realities, sensitivities and local conditions.
Nandlall said the aim is to craft a model that is suited to Guyana.
Importantly, he stressed that the process will be consultative.
The national consultation is expected to examine the dangers children face online, the types of content they may be exposed to, and the kind of legal framework needed to protect them while preserving access to beneficial digital resources.
