Premier Scott Moe say his government is planning to ask people in Saskatchewan for their views on banning social media for children under 16.
Moe says on X that Australia recently implemented a full ban for children under 16 and Canada should also consider options to limit social media use by minors.
He also points to a poll by Angus Reid that indicates most Canadians support banning social media.
Get daily National news
The poll says three-quarters of more than 4,000 respondents are in favour of a ban like the one in Australia, which became the first country to prevent youth under 16 from setting up accounts on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat and Threads.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Mark Carney said he had not made up his mind on the issue but that it should be debated.
- Patient stabbed in Edmonton ER waiting room as dozens witness attack
- From ‘bird leg syndrome’ to solar storms: Roberta Bondar breaks down Artemis II mission
- Iran calls on the public to find the ‘enemy pilot’ as the US continues a frantic search
- CFIA continues recall for Tim Hortons heat-activated mugs after reports of burn risk
He added that the federal government needs to pass online harms legislation and that the question of an “age of majority” for social media would be part of that discussion.
Last year, a committee of Quebec legislature members recommended that social media accounts be barred for youth under 14 unless they have the consent of a parent or guardian.
My opinion is that I would agree to the age of 14 and under being the age of restricting setting up social media accounts. I believe that most youth that are 15 and 16 are maturing and are capable of handling social media.