Canada’s Proposed Safe Social Media Act: 5 Key Takeaways for Parents

On June 10^th, the Government of Canada introduced Bill C-34: the Safe Social Media Act. Australia has passed a similar law, and several other countries are considering their own versions. Here is what parents should know about the proposed bill.

1. The bill identifies several online harms that social media and chatbot companies would have to reduce. These include content that sexually exploits a child, encourages self-harm, bullies a child, or shares intimate images without consent. Content that sexually exploits a child could be subject to a 24-hour removal order.
2. The bill would also require social media and chatbot companies to prevent children under 16 from using their platforms. A platform could apply for an exemption from the minimum age requirement if it can prove that it has established sufficient safeguards for children.
3. AI chatbots seeking an exemption would also have to stop generating harmful content. They could not pretend to be a person or licensed professional, give advice, or use manipulative tactics. They would also have to connect young people in crisis, including those having suicidal thoughts, with human support services.
4. This exemption option makes the bill different from bans in other countries. It may address concerns that a complete ban does not hold platforms accountable and encourage companies to make their platforms safer.
5. A new agency called the Digital Safety Commission of Canada would be formed to enforce these rules, issue financial penalties, and receive reports when companies fail to block certain harmful content.

What are critics saying?

Critics say the bill does not mandate digital literacy education or training. Whether or not it passes, most teens will use social media at some point. Research shows that social media can support young people’s well-being, but it can also cause serious harm. That is why it is important to teach children how to use the internet and social media safely – so they can benefit from what platforms have to offer while knowing how to mitigate the harms they can pose.

What can parents do now?

While we wait to learn if the government will impose new safety regulations, it is critical that we continue to talk to our children about using social media safely and teach them to identify the red flags of online exploitation.

And regardless of whether the bill becomes law, ongoing conversations about online safety and exploitation will remain essential.