The vast majority of those surveyed in Saskatchewan support social media limits for young people. The results from a Government of Saskatchewan-sponsored survey launched in May were revealed on Thursday. Posed with the question: “Do you support social media limits for children under the age of 16?” 86.34 per cent of residents answered yes, while 13.66 per cent answered no. A total of 68 per cent of respondents also supported the idea of parental consent being necessary for kids to use social media. According to Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Lori Carr, over 26,000 households took part. The survey included major social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and SnapChat. YouTube was the platform most identified as requiring an exemption from the limits, with 30.89 per cent. All other platforms received around 17 per cent support on the question. According to the province, when asked what age should apply for potential restrictions, 58.47 per cent of those surveyed, said kids aged 16 and younger. A total of 13.13 per cent said the limits should be imposed for those 18 and younger. The province says it will provide the feedback to the federal government to help “inform Saskatchewan’s participation in broader discussions regarding online safety and the wellbeing of young people.” The survey was announced in early May and ran until June 30. In early June, the federal government introduced Bill C-34, or the Safe Social Media Act, into the House of Commons. If passed, the legislation would enact two new acts, The Digital Safety Act and the Digital Safety Commission of Canada Act. The new acts will force social media platforms to block access for kids under 16 — if the platforms do not install sufficient safeguards for kids. The legislation also aims to regulate the companies responsible for AI chatbots. More to come…
