Saskatchewan's proposed legislation to ban social media for youth under 16 is drawing attention from the province's privacy commissioner, who is urging policymakers to focus on broader digital harms rather than age restrictions alone. The commissioner emphasized that while protecting children online is critical, a targeted ban may not address underlying issues such as data exploitation and harmful content.
Privacy Commissioner's Alternative Focus
In a statement, the privacy commissioner highlighted that Australia's recent law barring under-16s from platforms like TikTok and Facebook represents one of the toughest crackdowns globally. However, the commissioner argued that Saskatchewan should prioritize comprehensive digital literacy and harm reduction strategies over outright bans. “The time to do something is now, but we must ensure we are addressing the root causes of online harm, not just restricting access,” the commissioner said.
Global Context and Local Action
The proposal comes amid international efforts to curb youth social media use. Australia's law, enacted in 2024, has sparked debate about effectiveness and enforcement. In Canada, Ontario is also considering changes to online gambling ads, reflecting a broader push to regulate digital spaces. Saskatchewan's move aligns with similar initiatives in other provinces, though critics argue that bans may drive youth to unregulated platforms.
According to a 2025 survey by the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, 78% of parents support stricter social media regulations for minors. However, privacy advocates warn that age-verification systems could compromise user data. “We need to balance safety with privacy rights,” the commissioner added.
Next Steps for Saskatchewan
The Saskatchewan government plans to consult with stakeholders, including tech companies and child advocacy groups, before finalizing the legislation. A public consultation period is expected to open in July 2026. Meanwhile, the privacy commissioner has called for a task force to examine digital harms more broadly, including cyberbullying and data mining.
“Protecting our youth is paramount, but we must do so without creating new risks,” the commissioner concluded.
