DNA: We must discourage public shaming via social media

DNA: We must discourage public shaming via social media

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – After several disturbing videos involving minors went viral earlier this week, the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) on Wednesday referred to such videos as “disturbing” and urged parents and guardians to cease from recording, distributing and sharing such videos.

“Recently, videos of a disturbing nature have been circulating, depicting our nation’s youth in a less than savory manner.

“We in the DNA implore agents of the Department of Social Services to heighten their alert and conduct investigations into the homes and environments of these young individuals where and when necessary.

“Often, matters of this nature are overlooked or taken for granted until it becomes a substantial problem in our society that is beyond control,” the DNA outlined in an issued statement.

The party also cautioned parents/guardians or close relatives and friends to cease their recording of these ‘terrible’ acts and consequent uploading and sharing of the same via social media.

The DNA said the risk of children being psychologically damaged permanently as result of public shaming is too great a risk to continue this ill-advised behavior.

The DNA also cautioned the youth of our nation to be very mindful of their actions and what they post in the public forum, whether of themselves or others.

“They should also consider the wise saying that what you give to the world you can’t take back,” the DNA said.

The party also noted that young people should be mindful of the content they disseminate in cyber space, and parliamentarians must raise a greater awareness of this issue.

“As a final note, parliamentarians, particularly the members who have responsibility for the Ministries Of Social Service and Urban Development, National Security and Education should champion legislation with penalties as well as agitate, foster and implement programs which create increased awareness to prevent and discourage members of society from posting damaging videos up on the internet involving adolescents,” the DNA said.

“We must consider as Bahamians what kind of society we would like to cultivate for the next generation of Bahamians and act in a manner that can bring about change in a more positive and productive manner.”