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.

The proposed social media ban for youth under 16 would mirror action first taken in Australia, where the measure took effect last December.

The group representing physicians in Manitoba is adding its voice to support the province's proposed plan to ban social media and artificial intelligence chatbots for youth.

Social media companies including Meta have settled the first of many lawsuits brought by hundreds of school districts alleging social media harms children's mental health.

The U.S. surgeon general's advisory urges a whole-of-society approach, including delaying kids' access to devices and online platforms for as long as possible.

Premier Scott Moe said the Saskatchewan government will survey the public for input on how the province can tackle the issue of social media.

The B.C. government says it wants the federal government to take the lead on a social media ban for youth. But not everyone is convinced.