Saskatchewan Government to Survey Households on Social Media Ban for Children
Premier Scott Moe has revealed that the Saskatchewan government will conduct a comprehensive province-wide poll to gauge public opinion on whether children should be restricted from accessing social media platforms. This initiative aims to better represent the views of Saskatchewan residents at the federal level.
Province-Wide Consultation Through Mailout Questionnaires
In a recent announcement, Moe explained that a mailed questionnaire will be sent to every household in Saskatchewan. The premier expressed uncertainty about the prevailing views among parents across the province, stating, "I don't know what the congruent view or the reflective view of Saskatchewan parents would be across the province." He emphasized that this mailout will directly ask families for their opinions on this critical issue.
While Moe did not specify an exact timeline for when the poll will be distributed, he confirmed that the collected feedback will be compiled and presented to the federal government for consideration. This move underscores the province's commitment to ensuring that any potential actions regarding youth social media use are informed by grassroots input.
Federal Context and Growing Concerns
The provincial consultation was prompted by recent developments at the federal level. Prime Minister Mark Carney has been considering a ban on social media for minors, and the Liberal Party of Canada recently passed a resolution supporting age restrictions for individuals under 16, similar to measures implemented in Australia.
Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture Marc Miller confirmed that the federal government is "very seriously" examining social media restrictions for children. Miller, who oversees this project, noted that a ban would be just one component of a broader strategy to enhance online safety for youth. "It's clear that a ban or a moratorium on social media by kids, who we do need to protect, can be an important element, but it can't be the only one," he stated.
Questionnaire Details and Public Response
The mailout will include a series of questions designed to capture diverse perspectives. Respondents will be asked whether they support a social media ban for children or if they believe such decisions should be left to parental discretion. Additionally, the questionnaire is expected to delve into more specific details, such as which social media platforms should be included in any potential restrictions.
Moe first hinted at this public consultation in a social media post on March 30, following an Angus Reid poll that indicated strong public support for such measures. In that poll, 75 percent of respondents from a randomized sample of 4,005 Canadian adults expressed support for a "full ban" on social media for children under 16.
Broader Implications and Historical Context
This initiative aligns with the Saskatchewan government's previous advocacy for parental rights. In October 2023, the province passed a law requiring parental or guardian consent before school staff can address students under 16 by a preferred gender-related name or pronoun. That legislation has faced criticism for its impact on transgender and nonbinary youth, highlighting the ongoing debate over parental authority versus individual rights.
Moe reiterated that any action on social media restrictions should be coordinated at the national level. "We feel that if there is going to be any action in this space, it should be national action done by the federal government," he asserted, emphasizing the need for a unified approach to online safety for children across Canada.
