REGINA — Speculation in Saskatchewan about a ban on social media for people under 16 intensified this week following news of a proposed ban in Manitoba.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew announced on the weekend that his province would bring in a social media ban for children. While details of what that ban might look like are still unclear, Kinew has floated the idea of billion-dollar fines for tech companies under the ban.
Premier Scott Moe has previously floated the idea of a social media ban for those under 16, similar to Australian legislation. Prime Minister Mark Carney has also expressed openness to the notion.
Speaking to reporters Monday in response to the Manitoba move, Moe said he understood the “initiative behind this” but added “I'm not sure how workable it will be for one province to move forward.”
“We looked at the potential of that. Where we have landed is we think it'd be much more effective for this to be a Canada-wide initiative.”
Moe told reporters they “see an openness” with the Prime Minister and federal government for that discussion.
Moe said the government believes an effective approach in Saskatchewan is to ask parents and families for their views on social media limitations for children, including appropriate age thresholds.
“There's some nuances to the question. And then we'd provide that information in a very transparent way, a public way, to not only Saskatchewan and Canadian families but to our federal government to maybe help inform their decision at the federal level as well. We think that's the most effective path forward for us and somewhat of a collaborative path.”
As for a timeline, Moe said the province hopes to have surveys distributed “in a week or so, give or take a day, and they'll be pre-stamped to be returned.”
“We really encourage families and parents to be very open with their thoughts and send them back in. We'll compile that data and have it available.”
When asked whether a social media ban would be a natural progression from the current ban on cellphone use in schools, Moe said “it could be. A little bit different and I think largely that has been received well.”
Moe said the only dissenting feedback he had received on the school cellphone ban came from a Grade 12 student he knew.
“Largely, I think teachers have been supportive. I think it's helped with the attentiveness in class at all ages.”
However, Moe suggested social media restrictions may go further, noting “we're all aware of the challenges and the conversation” around the impact of social media on youth.
He said it is part of a “broader conversation” tied to social and health challenges facing society and the potential role social media plays in those issues for young people.
