Esteemed Canadian Legislators,

 

We, the undersigned, advocate for policies that promote delayed autonomy, particularly in areas where early exposure to destructive behaviors can severely alter an individual’s capacity for sound judgment and self-control.

 

The following are our specific calls for action:

 

Gambling: As a government-run and sanctioned activity in some provinces, gambling preys upon individuals’ vulnerabilities, and its addictive nature causes immense harm to families and communities. We urge legislators to implement stronger protections around gambling, including raising the legal gambling age to 25, possible compulsory addiction education, and enhanced safeguards to prevent under-developed individuals from accessing gambling (or gambling-like gaming) platforms.

In addition, we call on the federal government to implement restrictions and requirements when it comes to predatory tactics within the industry including limiting targeted advertising toward vulnerable populations, manipulative environmental tactics such as the removal of windows or clocks in gambling establishments, regulating sound and lighting designed to exploit dopamine reward systems, prohibiting maze-like layouts intended to encourage prolonged play, enforcing transparent odds and payout information, and heavily advocating for self-exclusion, cool-off procedures, or spending limits for participants recognized as engaging in compulsive behaviours. 

Pornography: With pornography more accessible than ever before, children are often exposed to graphic material before they are able to fully understand its damaging effects. We urge legislators to mandate age verification measures and implement legislation that prohibits the access of pornography to individuals until such an age as the brain is fully developed. By doing so, we can shield young minds from harmful content that negatively rewires the brain and impedes healthy emotional and relational development.

Alcohol: The consumption of alcohol has long been normalized, despite its harmful effects on judgment and decision-making, particularly in vulnerable adolescent populations. We propose that the legal drinking age be raised, aligning it with the age of full brain development to mitigate the potential for addiction and reckless behavior.

Smoking (Marijuana and Cigarettes): Smoking substances like marijuana and cigarettes is often the precursor to poor decision-making and addiction. We advocate for a higher minimum age for purchasing smoking products. Additionally, we urge the government to prioritize prevention programs in schools and communities to teach young people the long-term consequences of substance use, and ensure that adequate addiction treatment services are readily available.

 

We believe that the core of this petition is the protection of our children.

As society continues to normalize behaviors that have been proven to lead to severe addiction, increase in detrimental mental health struggles, and poor decision-making, we have a moral responsibility to protect future generations from being exposed to these destructive forces prematurely.

We cannot continue to allow substances, gambling, and pornography to be introduced to our youth without first ensuring they have the mental and emotional maturity to handle these temptations responsibly.

The decisions made today will affect generations to come, and it is critical that we ensure that the autonomy we grant to our youth is given at a point when they are fully capable of making informed, wise decisions.