Story perspectives

Canada Eyes Social Media Ban for Kids Under 14

1/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

Canada is considering a ban on social media for children under 14, following Australia.
Marc Miller, Canada's Culture Minister, supports the move as part of Bill C-63.
Matthew Johnson of MediaSmarts notes that current regulations lack enforcement, letting children bypass age limits.
In the United Kingdom, a House of Lords vote signals pressure to restrict under-16s.
Parents and educators urge immediate action due to concerns about children's mental health.

History

Historical Context

In 2021, Australia enacted stricter social media regulations for minors, responding to rising concerns about online safety and mental health. Following a 2024 proposal by South Australia's Premier Peter Malinauskas, the federal government introduced the Online Safety Amendment Act, which bans users under 16 from platforms like Facebook and Instagram. This reflects a global trend towards protecting children from harmful online content.

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Story summary

Canada is considering a ban on social media for children under 14, following Australia.
Marc Miller, Canada's Culture Minister, supports the move as part of Bill C-63.
Matthew Johnson of MediaSmarts notes that current regulations lack enforcement, letting children bypass age limits.
In the United Kingdom, a House of Lords vote signals pressure to restrict under-16s.
Parents and educators urge immediate action due to concerns about children's mental health.

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