Canadian Parents Demand Social Media Ban for Kids Under 16

A Canadian parent advocacy group is urging the federal government to implement regulations that would restrict children under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms. The call for change stems from escalating concerns regarding mental health and online safety, as highlighted by Robin Sherk of Unplugged Canada. Sherk noted that her advocacy began when she recognized a disparity in protections available to children online compared to those in everyday life.

In an interview with CTV’s Your Morning, Sherk explained, “In the real world, you can’t go into an R-rated movie or buy addictive products like cigarettes. But online, there really was nothing there. And that’s what got this started for me.” Founded in 2024, Unplugged Canada is actively working with lawmakers to advance this issue and has launched a petition officially supported by West Vancouver MP Patrick Weiler.

The petition has already gathered signatures from across the country, from Prince Edward Island to Vancouver, and is set to be submitted to Parliament in the coming days. Sherk emphasized that the problem extends beyond parental oversight; it also involves the design of social media platforms, which are crafted to capture and maintain users’ attention.

Statistics reveal concerning trends among young users. According to Sherk, the average teenager spends approximately three hours a day on social media, with one in five teenagers in Ontario spending five hours or more daily. This level of screen time has been linked to increased rates of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and even self-harm, while also detracting from sleep, exercise, and other offline activities.

Research Highlights Risks of Excessive Social Media Use

The advocacy group’s concerns are supported by research findings. A study conducted by Western University in 2023 established a strong correlation between excessive social media use and symptoms of anxiety and depression among children. The study analyzed the behaviors of over 100 Canadian children aged six to twelve, revealing that they spend an average of four hours daily on screens—significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels.

Another study examining over 12,000 adolescents aged 10 to 17 from various countries, including Canada, Australia, and the United States, found that each additional hour spent online correlated with a 13 percent increase in the likelihood of experiencing weight-related bullying. Social media platforms such as Twitter, now rebranded as X, and Twitch were identified as contributing factors, with reported increases in bullying of 69 percent and 49 percent, respectively.

Legislative Efforts and Industry Responses

In recent years, the Canadian government has introduced several bills targeting online harms and digital safety, although few have successfully become law. Bill C-63, known as the Online Harms Act, was introduced to combat issues such as cyberbullying, child exploitation, and extremist content. While it broadly addresses harmful material, advocates believe it could serve as a foundation for stronger age-related protections.

Another legislative proposal, Bill C-412, titled the Protection of Minors in the Digital Age Act, aims to ensure that platforms prioritize children’s well-being through safer design, privacy safeguards, and age-appropriate user experiences. While some social media companies have rolled out parental controls and screen-time reminders, critics argue that these measures are easily circumvented and do not sufficiently tackle the deeper issues related to addictive platform designs.

Sherk advocates for alternative solutions that could provide safer options for families. She mentioned devices like Wisephone, which is designed without social media, internet browsers, or access to other apps, and Pinwheel, a “kid-safe” smartphone tailored for children aged eight to 18, allowing parents to manage device usage remotely.

The call by Unplugged Canada to regulate social media access for children under 16 represents a significant moment in the ongoing dialogue surrounding technology and parenting. As concerns about the impact of social media on youth continue to rise, the movement seeks to prompt a broader examination of how online environments can be made safer for younger generations.