Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has revealed that the government is weighing legislative options to restrict how Trinidadian children under the age of 12 access social media platforms.

The Prime Minister’s announcement on X, following public calls from Archbishop of Port of Spain Charles Jason Gordon for new laws to shield minors from digital predators. 

Persad-Bissessar backed the archbishop’s concerns, describing the current online landscape as an increasingly hostile digital environment.

“My Government is prepared to consider legislation to regulate social media use for children under the age of 12,” Persad-Bissessar said, noting that such measures are already being explored by governments globally.

I have taken note of media reports in which Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon called for laws to protect children from the predatory dangers of social media.
His concerns are valid. Our children must be safeguarded from harm. However, any blanket ban on adults would amount to an…

— Kamla Persad-Bissessar (@PM_Kamla) January 21, 2026

“Our children must be safeguarded from harm.

“Social media has grown into a powerful platform for communication and free speech, but it also carries real dangers – particularly for children – through exposure to harmful content, exploitation, bullying, harassment, pornography, paedophiles and manipulation.”

Restrictions went in place in Australia on December 10, 2025 restricting social media access to children under-16 from December 10. 

Social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube must take action to prevent under-16s from accessing their services or they face a hefty fines.

While the Prime Minister is targeting protections for minors, she ruled out broader restrictions for the general public. 

“Any blanket ban on adults would amount to an unacceptable encroachment on freedom of speech and expression,” she clarified.

Beyond the safety of children, Persad-Bissessar suggested that the legal framework may also need to be adjusted to protect private citizens from online abuse. 

She noted that while people in public life expect scrutiny, many “decent private law abiding citizens” currently have no way to defend themselves against “anonymous and faceless attackers.”

“Our courts have already recognised the serious harm that can arise from the spread of false and malicious information online,” she said.

However, the Prime Minister maintained that laws alone are not a total solution. She called on parents to take a lead role in digital supervision, insisting that the most effective regulation “begins at home.”

“Technology cannot replace a parents guidance, values, and care,” she added, urging guardians to remain vigilant in monitoring the devices and content their children consume.