Saskatchewan to continue with parental outreach as Manitoba vows to enact youth social media ban

Sask. Premier Scott Moe says a social media ban for youth should be Canada-wide, not provincial.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says his government will continue with its plan to consult with parents on whether children should be banned from using social media.

His comments come after Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew announced over the weekend that his government intends to ban those under 16 years of age from using social media and AI chatbots.

Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Kinew doubled down on the commitment, vowing to introduce legislation on the issue “as soon as possible” which would include enforcement and fines directed at social media platforms.

• ‘We’re doing this’: Manitoba premier addresses province’s plan to ban youth from social media, AI chatbots

However, Moe questioned whether a provincial ban would be effective.

“I’m not sure how workable it will be for one province to move forward. We looked at the potential of that,” he said Monday. “Where we have landed is we think it’d be much more effective for this to be a Canada-wide initiative.”

Manitoba Education Minister Tracy Schmidt later said the province’s plan would begin in schools, like its ban on cellphones in classrooms.

Neither Kinew nor Schmidt provided details on how the province would enforce rules on international social media platforms.

• Saskatchewan to ask residents for views on banning social media for children under 16

Moe previously said the government will seek public input on a potential ban for children under 16 through surveys sent to families, expected to roll out in the coming weeks.

“We really encourage families and parents to be very open with their thoughts and send them back,” he said.

• Saskatchewan should advocate for youth social media ban, expert says

The results of the survey will be tabulated and provided to the federal government – where Moe hopes the eventual decision and legislation will be crafted.

“There’s some nuances to the question, and then we provide that information in a very transparent way and public way, to not only Saskatchewan and Canadian families, but to our federal government to maybe help inform their decision,” he explained.

“We think that’s the most effective path forward for us, and then somewhat of a collaborative path too.”

When asked if a youth social media ban is a natural progression from the banning of cell phones in classrooms, Moe said the former is part of a societal issue and a larger conversation.

“We’re all aware of the challenges and the conversation around the impact that access to social media on youth is having on our children and our grandchildren,” he said.

“I think this is actually a broader conversation that extends into some of the social and health challenges that we’re having in society today and what role social media may play in that, in particular when it comes to young adults and youth.”