Throughout history, technology has always dictated human behaviour.

It’s no different in today’s complex, digital age.

Indeed, evidence of digital addiction is all around us. We see people of all ages, but mostly the young, going about their business, eyes glued to their devices, seemingly oblivious to all else.

We believe it’s fair to say that since the invention and universal usage of the Internet alongside allied communication methodologies, human behaviour and relations one to another have been altered in unprecedented ways.

We dare say that, in today’s world, an increasing number of people find it easier to relate to others online than in the flesh.

Many parents are in a quandary since their children no longer have interest in venturing outside to play. Instead, their young ones are held captive by the tablet/cellphone/computer — a gift originally intended for learning.

For many such children, obesity and a future battling resulting noncommunicable diseases await, barring swift, decisive, and informed intervention.

And, in our online, social media world, the very vulnerable, especially children, are increasingly falling victims to sexual predators and equally evil others.

All of the above and more explain moves by authorities across the globe to restrict, even ban, social media access for children.

In the Jamaican context we note word from health and wellness minister, Dr Christopher Tufton, that a recent study “confirms a strong link between social media use and increased anxiety, depression, and digital addiction, particularly among young persons and content creators”.

The minister reportedly said youth under 24 years old spend an average of six hours daily on social media, compared to five hours for adults, and four hours for seniors.

Also, Dr Stephen Johnson of The University of the West Indies and a Ministry of Health consultant, who led the research team, cited low self esteem, cyberbullying, negative grooming, and exposure to harmful content among social media’s ill effects on children.

Yet, rather than wanting “an outright [social media] ban” for young children, the study showed 80 per cent of those interviewed supported “a clear [protective] policy framework”.

Dr Tufton, who says the study is “intended for public consumption and discourse in the first instance, not any decision”, welcomed what he considers to be clear indication that Jamaicans want a partnership of Government, parents, school, community, to address the challenges.

Said he: “No Government policy can replace active parenting… No legislation can replace guidance within the home. No technology platform can replace the influence of families, teachers, and communities. Protecting children online, therefore, must be a national partnership…”

We agree.

Let’s appreciate, however, that many parents/guardians are ill-equipped to guide and protect children regarding social media and digitisation. That’s a hard, inescapable truth which applies not just to modern communication technology, but to a few other aspects of everyday Jamaican life.

In such situations, teachers, church leaders, community leaders, social workers, good citizens, must make a conscious, proactive extra effort to help vulnerable children. And, towards that end, they must also reach out to help the elders and guardians of those children.