N.S. Liberals to table bill that would ban use of social media by children under 16

The Nova Scotia Liberals are taking a groundbreaking step to protect children by introducing legislation that would ban kids under 16 from using social media platforms. This move, spearheaded by Liberal House leader Iain Rankin, aims to address the growing concerns about the impact of social media on youth mental health.

Rankin emphasized that social media algorithms expose children to harmful content that can have detrimental effects on their physical and mental well-being. If the bill is passed, social media platforms will be held accountable for enforcing the age restrictions, with potential fines of up to $250,000 per day for non-compliance.

While most social media platforms in Canada have a minimum age requirement of 13, the guidelines are not strictly enforced. This new legislation would make Nova Scotia the first province to set a minimum age restriction for social media access, setting a precedent for other provinces to follow suit.

Experts have highlighted the negative effects of social media on developing brains, with research linking its use to mental health issues. The legislation is seen as a necessary step to protect children from harmful content that they may come across inadvertently while using these platforms.

Jenna Poste, a tech executive and advocate with Unplugged Canada, collaborated with the Liberals on this legislation. She emphasized the importance of introducing social media to youth at an older age to help them navigate the digital world more safely. Poste also noted that many children feel pressured to be on social media, and this legislation could provide a common standard to alleviate peer pressure.

Rankin acknowledged that enforcing these restrictions would be more effective at a national level, but this bill is a significant first step in Canada. Other countries, such as Australia and Norway, are also working on similar legislation to protect children from the potential harms of social media.

Overall, the proposed legislation reflects a growing global awareness of the need to regulate social media use among children. By setting age restrictions and holding platforms accountable, Nova Scotia is taking a proactive approach to safeguarding the well-being of its youth in the digital age.