Canada bans social media for under-16s — here's what parents think
Bill C-34 caps mental health sessions and limits access. Experts and families weigh in on the new rules.
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Canada has moved to ban social media for anyone under 16, drawing inspiration from Australia's approach. Part of Bill C-34, the Safe Social Media Act requires social media platforms to ensure kids stay safe online or face bans themselves. The legislation also aims to protect children from AI chatbots, though exactly what "safe" means hasn't been clearly outlined by Ottawa yet.
Academics and experts have spoken both for and against the act, but the real test is how parents and teenagers themselves feel about the coming restrictions. In a new podcast episode, host Maria Kestane spoke with Jenny Perez, founder of Unplugged, and a 13-year-old from Alberta to get a pulse on how families are preparing for the change and what the next few months could look like as the legislation rolls out.
