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Canada's social media ban for kids may narrow. Experts say that’s good
🇨🇦 Canada /Culture & Society

Canada's social media ban for kids may narrow. Experts say that’s good

From Global News · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • Canada's proposed social media ban for children under 16 is expected to be refined with potential exemptions for platforms meeting future safety standards.
  • The government aims to incentivize social media companies to improve child protection measures, with a digital safety commission to be established within 18 months of the bill's passage.
  • Experts suggest this approach, while less strict than Australia's ban, acknowledges potential benefits of social media for youth and focuses on incentivizing platform improvements.

Canada's new online harms bill includes a social media ban for individuals under 16, but experts anticipate the restriction will likely be modified over time. The legislation allows for exemptions for companies that can demonstrate they meet undefined safety standards, a strategy designed to push platforms toward better child protection.

They’ve kind of straddled these two worlds.

— Christopher DietzelChristopher Dietzel, a postdoctoral fellow in sociology at Western University and communications studies affiliate associate professor at Concordia University, commented on the Canadian bill's approach.

Government officials described the ban as a "carrot and stick" approach, aiming to encourage platforms to enhance their designs and safeguard children. This contrasts with Australia's outright ban for under-16s, as Canada's bill includes a pathway for companies to gain exemptions if they prove their services are "safe by design."

I actually think (this bill is) better than what has been posed in Australia because it does acknowledge that, while these services currently facilitate harm, if the services demonstrate that they have reached the threshold where they are safe by design, then there would be exemptions.

— Christopher DietzelChristopher Dietzel, a postdoctoral fellow in sociology at Western University and communications studies affiliate associate professor at Concordia University, explained why he found the Canadian bill preferable to Australia's.

A digital safety commission is slated to begin operations 18 months after the bill becomes law. This commission will use regulations set by the Privy Council to evaluate whether companies qualify for exemptions. Until then, designated social media services will not be available to children under 16.

You can think about it as carrot as well as stick in here for the platforms to actually improve their services in a really fundamental way.

— Heidi TworekHeidi Tworek, a history and public policy professor at the University of British Columbia, described the bill's incentive structure for social media platforms.

Experts like Heidi Tworek, a professor at the University of British Columbia, view the bill as a balanced approach. She noted that the legislation recognizes that while social media can pose risks, it also offers potential social and educational benefits for young users. The effectiveness of the bill, however, will hinge on the establishment of appropriate safeguard thresholds.

It’s also recognizing that, depending on the child, there are some potential benefits for them in interacting on social media.

— Heidi TworekHeidi Tworek, a history and public policy professor at the University of British Columbia, highlighted the potential positive aspects of social media for young users.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Global News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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