Canada to ban social media for minors!
Canada seeks to ban social media to minors under 16.
Toronto, Canada, Jun 9 (EFE).-
The Canadian government is set to introduce a bill on Tuesday to ban social media use for minors under 16, justifying the move by stating that “kids are dying.”
The initiative, which could be introduced this Wednesday in the Canadian Parliament, has been declared a priority, said Minister of Identity and Culture Marc Miller on Tuesday.
“I think it’s obvious why it’s a priority. Kids are dying,” Miller told reporters in Ottawa.
The proposed legislation, dubbed the Digital Safety Act, would establish a new federal regulator tasked with setting safety standards for digital platforms. According to details leaked to the media, this regulator would mandate measures to reduce the risks minors face online.
Platforms that can demonstrate compliance with these standards may be eligible for exceptions, allowing them to admit users under the age of 16.
The legislation also aims to address risks associated with artificial intelligence chatbots. It would compel technology companies to be more transparent regarding the criteria used to alert authorities when they detect users expressing intentions of self-harm or violence against others.
The initiative follows, in part, the Feb. massacre in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. Reports revealed that the attacker, who killed eight people, including six children, had used ChatGPT, and his conversations had been flagged internally but never reported to the police.
Miller emphasized that the government will adopt “all reasonable measures” to protect minors.
Meanwhile, Justice Minister Sean Fraser rejected criticism from those who argue the initiative might limit freedom of expression, maintaining that ensuring the safety of young people does not equate to sacrificing fundamental rights.
The measure currently enjoys broad public support. An Angus Reid Institute survey published in March found that 75% of Canadians support a total social media ban for those under 16, while 87% support at least restricting specific platforms for that age group.
Furthermore, 94% of respondents expressed concern regarding the impact of social media on the mental health of minors, with an equal percentage concerned about addiction risks.
If passed, Canada will join a growing list of nations that have tightened restrictions on minors’ access to social media.
Australia pioneered such measures by implementing a ban for minors under 16 in December 2025. Countries including Spain, France, Denmark, Norway, Poland, Slovenia, Turkey, and the United Kingdom are also currently studying or have already announced similar restrictions.
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