Experts say the scale of digital technology use by children and youth is a public health issue that needs immediate action to prevent further harm.  

Kingston police say it began an investigation after receiving a complaint regarding comments posted on a social media platform on Sept. 23. 

The federal government has introduced digital safety legislation that would introduce a ban on social media for kids under 16.

The majority of households who responded to the government's survey supported limiting social media for children and teenagers younger than 16, the province said.

Meta agreed to implement new rules for kids who use their platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, as part of a nearly US$18-billion settlement with U.S. states this week.

The settlement was reached during a California federal trial, averting one of the highest-profile tests yet of allegations that social media companies harmed young users.

Opening statements started Tuesday in a pivotal trial for Meta Platforms as states seek billions of dollars in damages for social media harms to children.

Government officials are aiming to use the ban as an incentive for platforms to improve their designs and better protect children long-term, if and when those kids return.

The Safe Social Media Act aims to create a 'duty to protect children' for all online platforms, requiring social media and AI chatbots to incorporate age-appropriate measures.

Several provinces that have previously indicated interest in social media bans say they'll be watching to see how the federal government will roll its plan out.