Push For Online Safety Bill Intensifies Amid Exploitation Concerns

Calls for Swift Action on Online Safety

In a push for stronger online safety measures, Todd and Sara Austin, founder of Children First Canada, have urged Members of Parliament to swiftly pass a comprehensive online safety bill. Highlighting the urgency, Austin commented, "While Parliament studies, platforms profit and while committees debate, kids pay the price. Every day of delay costs children something they cannot get back – a day of their childhood."

The Liberal government has indicated work is underway for a new bill tackling online harms, though it remains unclear whether it will include a social media ban for youth. Initially proposed in 2024, a similar bill failed to become law, but advocates are pressing for its revival. The proposed act would have compelled social media companies to outline plans for mitigating user risks and set forth a duty to protect minors.

International Moves and Local Concerns

Globally, countries like Australia and Spain have already taken steps by banning social media for children under 16, with similar initiatives underway in the UK and France. Meanwhile, Canada's heritage committee has been gathering insights from experts who warn about the potential dangers children face online.

“This is out of their control. They need governments to step in,” emphasized André Côté, executive director of The Dais.

Aengus Bridgman from the Media Ecosystem Observatory pointed out that youth primarily get their news and entertainment from influencers. With content consumption driven by algorithms rather than choice, Bridgman noted, "The primary way in which influencers reach new listeners, new adherents, is through the recommendation algorithm." This shift highlights the need for regulation on how platforms influence young users.

Expert Testimonies Highlight Risks

Fenwick McKelvey, a communication studies professor at Concordia University, told the committee that many students relate more to influencers than traditional journalists. This trend is concerning as it sometimes leads to exposure to harmful influences, including cyberbullying and misinformation.

Concerns over online grooming and sextortion are echoed by Wanda Polzin Holman, CEO of Little Warriors, who reported an 80% increase in such cases since 2020. These issues predominantly affect youth aged 12 to 17, highlighting the need for urgent legislative action.

Stacy Hanson, a high school counsellor from Saskatoon, shared her experience of students encountering online harassment, misogynistic influencers, and dangerous content promoting self-harm. She recounted a troubling case of a 15-year-old who gained half a million followers on a Chinese TikTok alternative and became prey to adults posing as adult site executives, leading her to unknowingly profit-share from sexualized content.

The mounting calls for policy intervention underscore the critical need for governmental action to protect children in the digital age.