Children being exposed to inappropriate content on social media

     

There is a call for attention to be given to the issue of children being exposed to inappropriate content on social media.

 

The 'Are you single challenge" on Tiktok is one such case. 

 

The challenge begins with a music, then features a video that starts with a photograph before flashing to a snippet of a couple engaging in sexual activities.

 

Inappropriate content like this has caught the attention of the Jamaica Youth Advocacy Network. 

 

"We are alarmed by the sort of content that we are seeing on social media platforms, not just TikTok. Social media can be a very beautiful place. You can learn a lot. You can get access to information in a way that has never existed before. But we also recognise that there are other limitations and challenges with using the app. And one such thing is that our children and even general users are exposed to inappropriate and explicit content," said Executive Director Shanique Bowden. 

 

Ms. Bowden said the verification process for the apps need revision. 

 

"There needs to be a stricter verification process to ensure that underage users are not able to register for the app or even that there are mechanisms in place that will flag, based on the age range of the person, certain content [so it] does not come up on their 'For You' page," she suggested.