Regina teens divided on proposed social media ban for kids under 16

Ottawa plans to introduce a ban on social media use for children under 16 as early as Wednesday. Jacob Carr has reaction from Saskatchewan teens.

The federal government announced Tuesday they are expected to ban kids under 16 from using social media under the Digital Safety Act and the Digital Safety Commission of Canada Act.

Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Culture and Identity, said their new digital safety bill is all about keeping kids protected from online harms.

“We will take all reasonable measures to make sure kids are safe in this country. I think it’s obvious why it’s a priority, kids are dying,” he said.

CTV news spoke with some students from Balfour Collegiate, and received mixed reactions when asked about the pending social media ban, and how it will affect their day-to-day life.

“I personally think the government shouldn’t be controlling what we consume. I think it should be more on the parents to control their kids on what they’re on,” said Grade 10 Student Jayden Sauers.

“It can help with cyberbullying, but if the government controls everything, we won’t have anything.”

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Another Grade 10 student at Balfour Collegiate had a different perspective.

“I think it’s actually something that should happen because when you’re this age, you’re really impressionable to things that you see online,” said Ellixa Parker-Bonderoff.

“We should just be worrying about our real life, our friends, our grades and our well-being, rather than trying to be famous on the internet.”

According to reports, some platforms could obtain exemptions from the ban if they meet safety standards.

The federal government has also said that it will introduce legislation to address the safety of AI chatbots.

However, some social media experts question how practical it would be to enforce a nationwide ban.

“Implementing a ban is enormously difficult. It costs a lot of resources, requires a lot on the enforcement front, etc.,” said Australian Social Media Researcher Amanda Third.

Some students said they see both advantages and disadvantages to the proposal.

“It could help stop cyberbullying and stuff like that. But there’s also some things where it’s nice to be able to chat with friends online,” said Grade 10 Balfour Student Owyn Mullenix.

Others hope the legislation will not move forward.

“I think it would kind of suck. I’m a fan of social media, so it’s kind of weird to think that I won’t be able to use it at some point,” said Grade 9 Balfour student Leighton Klein.

“Please don’t get rid of it. I like my socials. Thanks,” she added.

The proposed legislation comes as several countries consider similar restrictions on youth access to social media. Australia has already implemented a social media ban for children under 16.