Minister for Education, Youth Development, Sports, and Digital Transformation, Kenson Casimir, has weighed in on the viral “cut” TikTok challenge, stressing the critical role of parental supervision in guiding children’s use of social media.
The trend, which has gained popularity online, involves users listing so-called “red flags” and ending with the word “cut” to suggest cutting someone off.
While mainly used humorously, the challenge recently raised serious concern after secondary school students participated in a video seen as inappropriate for their age.
The content, which circulated widely on social media, sparked public discussion about minors engaging in trends that go beyond acceptable boundaries for children.
Speaking on the matter, Casimir acknowledged that the challenge has indeed taken a troubling turn.
“The trend has been taking a disrespectful turn as of late,” he said, noting that minors are increasingly involved in online activity that many adults believe they should not be exposed to.
Casimir emphasised that addressing such issues begins at home, pointing to parental responsibility as a key factor in curbing inappropriate online behaviour.
“If we are going to deal with a better Saint Lucia, all aspects of our society need to be functioning better, including instruction at home. You must be monitoring what your children are doing.”
He questioned why some young children have unrestricted access to platforms such as TikTok and reiterated that supervision cannot fall solely on schools or the Ministry of Education.
“That supervision cannot be that of the minister. It cannot be that of the teacher when the child is at home,” Casimir stated. “It has to be that of a parent, guardian, or other responsible adult.”
He encouraged parents to actively check their children’s devices, not as a form of punishment, but as a way to understand their online activity and guide them appropriately.
Additionally, Casimir addressed questions about whether Saint Lucia could consider following international examples of banning social media use for children under a certain age. While not ruling out discussion, he cautioned against a blanket approach.
“You do not want Saint Lucian children to be behind the curve when it comes to digital transformation,” he said, stressing the need for balance.
He described social media as both a “gift and a curse,” noting that while it can expose children to harmful content, it can also be a powerful educational tool when used responsibly. He highlighted examples of positive online content that promotes learning about Saint Lucia and general knowledge.
Ultimately, Casimir said the responsibility lies with households to ensure children are guided toward responsible digital behaviour.
“Social media has to be controlled in the household,” he said. “It can be suppressed at times, but it can also be used to further development if handled properly.”
