Canada Plans Social Media Ban for Children Under 16 After Australia
Synopsis
Canada is set to introduce an online harms bill that could ban children under 16 from using social media platforms, following Australia's landmark restrictions. The proposal would establish a new digital regulator, require stronger action against harmful content, and introduce safety standards for online platforms. Companies meeting those standards may be allowed to let younger users opt back in. The legislation is also expected to address concerns surrounding AI chatbots, child sexual abuse material, and self-harm content. The move comes as more countries explore stricter online protections for children.
Social media platforms in Canada are bracing for an online harm bill that could prevent kids under 16 years old from using social networking apps following a similar crackdown on tighter web safety measures for children and adolescents by Australia.
This legislation which should be presented to Parliament on Wednesday, could have added regulations for social media channels, online platform firms and artificial intelligence platforms.
What Is Canada Planning to Do in Terms of a Social Media Ban?
Children below 16 would be banned by default from losing the difference in media platforms under than pro post law in Canada. But this rule does not mean that the ban is unconditional.
The Globe and Mail, citing sources, has reported that social media companies that comply with new child safety standards could apply for permission to let users under the age of 16 back on their platforms. If those platforms are able to meet the necessary safety standards, children may be allowed to opt back in.
New digital regulator and online safety legislation
The bill is also expected to create a new Canadian digital regulator which would set safety standards for social media firms. It would also regulate efforts to mitigate risks of online harms to children and assess whether platforms had implemented sufficient improvements to be exempt from regulation. Firms that meet these benchmarks could apply to let in younger users.
AI Chatbots and Content Harm Investigation
A new online harms bill is due to bring in even stricter measures forcing companies to tackle more harmful content. This covers promptly removing child sexual abuse material and minimising children's exposure to self-harm-promoting content.
The law may also go after AI chatbots. Some companion-style AI chatbots may, allegedly, coach children to commit suicide or how to hide an eating disorder, advocates and families have said. The bill will likely force AI companies to disclose that they notify police whenever a user indicates that he or she intends to harm themself or someone else.
Australia's social media ban
Australia introduces a national social media ban for kids under 16. The rules applied from 10 December 2025 to platforms, including YouTube and Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Snapchat.
It does not impose penalties against children or parents. Instead, it is up to social media companies to verify users' ages and they could face a fine of A$49.5 million for serious breaches. They get exemptions for platforms aimed at messaging, online gaming, education, healthcare, professional networking, and school communication. Roblox, Pinterest and WhatsApp are among the apps that are excluded from the restrictions for now.
Follow Inspirepreneur Magazine for daily global business news.
At Inspirepreneurs Magazine, covering entrepreneurship, business failures, and the human stories behind the world's most ambitious founders. She writes at the intersection of strategy and storytelling.
You Might Also Like
Mick Collis – From Sudoku Champion to Motivational Speaker
Asian energy buyers eye more Australian gas as Middle East conflict tightens supply
