Jersey has yet to introduce its own online safety legislation, nearly a year after a review was launched. Unlike the UK, which passed the Online Safety Act giving Ofcom powers to fine social media companies, Jersey declined to adopt it in 2021.

Government Action

• The Jersey government has launched a consultation to explore how legislation could remove illegal content and protect users’ privacy.
• Chief Minister Deputy Lyndon Farnham said:"Protecting children and young people from online harm is a responsibility we take extremely seriously. We know that the digital landscape changes quickly, and our response must be able to change just as fast."
• Ministers are considering a social media ban for under-16s, following examples in Australia.

Views from Parents

• Vicky O’Neil expressed frustration at delays, advocating for strong regulation:"Until big tech can prove that their platforms are safe… a ban needs to be enforced."
• Douglas Kruger disagreed, warning that an outright ban could do more harm than good:"The developing childhood mind is not able to sustain the attacks from screens and from social media… we need parental control — we do not need a government ban."

Opinions from Experts

• NSPCC: A ban could create a false sense of safety, causing children and threats to migrate to other online spaces.
• Rachel Masterton, Guernsey Data Protection Authority:"A knee-jerk reaction to bring something in may cause more problems than it solves… we need to make sure that we do it right."
• Guernsey has the option to extend parts of the UK Online Safety Act locally, providing a potential model.

Youth Perspectives

• Students studying online safety in PHSE lessons have divided opinions:
  • Robbie, 16, supports the ban: “The reels and the short clips are not good for young minds.”
  • Felix, 15, opposes it: “That kind of behaviour could just shift to a different medium if we try and limit technology.”
• PHSE teacher Gillian Silver emphasizes parental involvement and reactive, proactive education to address online safety.

Key Takeaways

• Jersey is actively reviewing options but has yet to legislate.
• Debate centers on balancing child protection with freedom and practical enforcement.
• Parents, experts, and students are divided, reflecting broader global discussions about online safety for minors.

This consultation marks a crucial step as Jersey considers how to adapt online safety regulation for local needs while learning from international approaches.