KINGSTON, Jamaica—Opposition Spokesperson on Gender Affairs, Persons with Disabilities and the Elderly, Denise Daley is calling for Jamaica to strengthen its legislative and policy response to cyberbullying and the growing misuse of artificial intelligence, warning that technology is increasingly being weaponised to intimidate, exploit and traumatise vulnerable citizens, particularly women and young people.

Speaking during her contribution to the 2026 Sectoral Debate, Daley said abuse no longer ends when someone leaves a home, school or workplace, but increasingly follows victims into the digital space.

“Today, abuse no longer ends when someone leaves the house. It follows them onto their mobile phones, computers and social media accounts,” she said.

Daley noted that cyberbullying has become one of the most significant threats facing young people, with many victims subjected to online harassment, cyberstalking, the non-consensual sharing of intimate images and public humiliation.

She also warned that the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence has created new avenues for abuse through the creation of deepfake images and digitally manipulated content designed not just to shame, exploit and intimidate women and girls but also exploit the elderly financially.

“Technology has enormous potential to transform every sector of our society. However, like every powerful tool, it can also be abused. Technology must never outpace our values,” Daley said.

Daley further expressed concern that many young men are being exposed to harmful online content that promotes unhealthy attitudes towards women and relationships, underscoring the need for greater digital education and responsible technology use.

She called on the Government to begin developing legislative safeguards, strengthen public education campaigns and expand digital literacy programmes to better protect Jamaicans from emerging online threats.

Daley also urged that cyberbullying, digital citizenship, digital footprints and the responsible use of artificial intelligence become part of broader discussions within schools on healthy relationships and responsible behaviour.

“Our laws, policies and education systems must evolve alongside technology. We have a responsibility to ensure that innovation improves lives without compromising the dignity, safety and well-being of our people,” she added.

She said safeguarding citizens in the digital age must become a national priority, particularly as technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace.