Protect Canadian Children: Regulate Social Media for Kids Under 16

Social media is harming our children, and it’s time for Canada to act. Australia recently implemented groundbreaking legislation requiring age verification and parental consent for children under 16 to access social media platforms. This bold step acknowledges the growing body of evidence linking social media use to mental health struggles, anxiety, depression, and alarming increases in youth suicide rates. It’s time for Canada to follow suit.  

The Problem:

Studies from Canada and around the world paint a troubling picture of how social media impacts children’s mental health:  

• According to the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, adolescents who spend more than two hours per day on social media are at significantly higher risk of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.
• A 2022 report from Kids Help Phone revealed that nearly half of Canadian youth seeking support identified social media as a major source of stress, with many reporting feelings of inadequacy, cyberbullying, and loneliness.
• Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among Canadian youth aged 10–19, according to Statistics Canada. Social media platforms exacerbate feelings of isolation and low self-worth by exposing children to curated, unrealistic portrayals of life.
• Globally, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that the suicide rate among children aged 10–14 has nearly tripled in the past two decades, with social media playing a major role in this tragic trend.  

The Solution:

Australia has taken action to address this issue by requiring age verification and parental consent for social media use by children under 16. These measures empower parents, reduce exposure to harmful content, and foster healthier digital habits among young people. Canada must adopt similar policies to protect our youth.  

Why This Matters:

Unchecked access to social media is having a devastating effect on the mental health of Canadian children. Research shows that excessive social media use contributes to poor self-esteem, disrupted sleep patterns, and addiction-like behaviors—all of which increase the risk of anxiety, depression, and suicide. By implementing common-sense regulations, we can create a safer online environment for our children and give parents the tools they need to guide their kids’ online experiences.  

Take Action:  

We call on Canadian lawmakers to prioritize the mental health of our youth by implementing regulations similar to those in Australia. Together, we can protect the next generation and ensure they grow up in a healthier, more supportive environment.  

Sign this petition and share it with your community. Let’s send a clear message: Canada’s children deserve better.