CPSFA steps up social media monitoring

The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) says social media has become an essential tool in safeguarding children, allowing its investigators to respond more quickly to cases of neglect or abuse that may otherwise go unreported.

Social media has come under the spotlight after the agency removed TikTok influencer Rosalee's children after a post in which she implied she would hurt them. Rosalee later took to social media again, questioning why she was not being allowed to see or speak with her children since they were taken. But the CPFSA said those same posts, along with tags and direct messages from concerned citizens, allowed its investigators to move quickly.

"This collective vigilance allowed us to act swiftly, assess the situation and determine the most appropriate intervention," the agency said.

The CPFSA's public relations and investigations teams scan platforms daily, looking for posts or videos that may signal a child is in danger. Once a concerning case is spotted, investigators reach out to the poster to gather more information. If the child is located, the agency steps in from counselling parents to removing the child from unsafe environments.

"Each response is guided by what is deemed to be in the best interest of the child," the CPFSA stressed.

Before social media, most reports of alleged child abuse reached the agency only through police referrals or direct hotline calls. But the agency warned that speculation and misinformation spreading online can also derail investigations.

"Unverified claims often create confusion, delay investigations and may compromise the privacy and dignity of the child involved," officials said. Every post is first treated as an allegation, and investigators must verify it before acting. False leads, they cautioned, waste time when a child could still be at risk.

The CPFSA said Rosalee's case proved both sides of the coin: public vigilance can help, but careless sharing can also cause more trauma.

"Sharing videos or images of abuse may unintentionally cause further harm or lifelong stigma for that child," the agency said. Instead, Jamaicans are being asked to report suspected abuse directly. The CPFSA operates a 24/7 child abuse hotline - 211 - and also accepts private reports via WhatsApp at 876-878-2882.

"Protecting the dignity and safety of children must always be the priority," the Agency reminded. "Don't share. Don't speculate. Report."