After Australia, Canada plans to ban social networks for children under 16

Following Australia, Canada now plans to ban social media for children under 16. On Wednesday, the Internet Damages Act is likely to be introduced in the Canadian Parliament in this regard.

However, the bill may include conditions under which a social media platform would allow persons under the age of 16 to use that platform. “…platforms that meet the new security standards may allow children to log in again,” sources told the Globe and Mail.

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Under the proposal, the bill would also create a new Canadian digital regulator. Sources told Canadian media that the regulator will set standards for social media platforms to mitigate harm to children.

Companies that have taken steps to meet those standards could apply to allow children under 16 to return to their platforms if they have made the required improvements, the report added.

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The long-awaited Online Harms Act is also expected to require companies to mitigate harmful content, the report added.

This would include actions to address AI chatbots, which advocates are calling on the government to regulate.

Advocates and families have reportedly raised concerns that chatbots programmed to act as companions have taught some children about suicide and how to mask eating disorders.

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According to Globe and Mail sources, the bill is also expected to revive some measures introduced in earlier versions that did not make it through the legislative process.

This includes the requirement to promptly remove material containing child sexual abuse and to limit exposure to content that encourages children to harm themselves.

The bill is also expected to require AI companies to be transparent about their limits on contacting the police when a user has indicated they intend to harm themselves or someone else.

Australia bans social media for under 16s

Last year, Australia became the first country to ban under-16s from accessing social media in a bid to protect young people from the negative effects of social media.

Under this legislation, anyone under the age of 16 will be banned from using social media platforms, with the rules coming into effect on December 10, 2025. The ban covered platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Reddit and Twitch.

Australian law does not impose penalties on children or their parents. Instead, it puts the onus on social media companies, requiring them to take “reasonable steps” to verify that users are at least 16 years old.

For the most serious violations, platforms that fail to comply can face fines of up to A$49.5 million.

The law also provides for certain exemptions. Major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok are subject to the ban, along with streaming services such as Kick and Twitch.

However, some popular apps – including Roblox, Pinterest and WhatsApp – are currently exempt from restrictions.

The government said some platforms will be exempted from the under-16 social media ban if they focus primarily on specific functions, including:

Sending messages, emails or making voice and video calls
Playing online games
Sharing details about products or services
Professional networking or career development
Educational purposes
Health related services
Communication between schools and students or their families
Connecting health care providers with the individuals who use their services