Canada proposes social media ban for under-16s, following Australia's lead

Canada is proposing legislation to prohibit individuals under the age of 16 from creating social media accounts, following similar moves by other nations. Culture Minister Marc Miller introduced the bill on June 10, emphasizing that "children's safety cannot be a secondary consideration" and acknowledging the severe impact of harmful online content. This initiative mirrors Australia's recent law, which took effect on December 10, 2025, banning social media access for those under 16. Early reports from Australia indicate some immediate effects, such as a 14-year-old being blocked from Instagram, despite anticipated challenges in enforcing the ban. The Australian measure aims to combat youth addiction to digital platforms and excessive screen time.

Sources: Le Monde