Liberal MLA Iain Rankin answers questions from reporters following a news conference at the downtown Halifax office of Auditor General Kim Adair in February. Photo by Ryan Taplin /The Chronicle HeraldArticle contentNova Scotia Liberals will introduce a bill in the fall legislature session to set a minimum age of 16 for social media use, following the lead of countries like Australia and Norway.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentIf passed, the bill would be the first of its kind in Canada.Article contentArticle content“Protecting our kids from the harms of social media is a responsibility we all share,” said former premier Iain Rankin, the Liberal House leader. Article contentArticle content“This bill will ensure that children under 16 are not exposed to harmful content or interactions that can have life-long impacts on their mental health,” said Rankin, representing Timberlea-Prospect as one of two elected Liberal MLAs. Article content“As a father myself, I know how critical it is that we put our children’s well-being first. If we want Nova Scotia to be the best place in Canada to raise a family, this is a positive step in making that happen.”Article contentThe bill, labelled the Social Media Responsibility Act, will be tabled in the House session that will begin Sept. 23, shortly after the new school year begins.Article contentThe Liberal bill would require support from the government Progressive Conservatives, who hold 43 of the 55 legislative seats.Article contentMental healthArticle contentExperts and parents alike are sounding the alarm on the mental health crisis facing young people, with mounting evidence showing that social media contributes to anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts.Article contentArticle contentA 2023 study from the U.S. Surgeon General warned that youth who use social media for more than three hours per day have double the risk of poor mental health outcomes like depression and anxiety. Article contentArticle contentJenna Poste, a tech executive, mom of two and co-founder of the Nova Scotia chapter of Unplugged Canada, works with parents and industry experts to urge governments nationwide to take action to protect children from the harmful effects of early smartphone use and social media exposure. Article content“This is a crucial step forward in protecting children online,” said Poste, who advocates for policy changes that prioritize children’s mental health and well-being.Article content“Parents across the country are calling for action, and this is exactly the kind of leadership we need,” Poste said. “Nova Scotia is recognizing the real and urgent harms social media is having on youth mental health and creating a model for others to follow.”
Nova Scotia Liberals to table bill banning social media for kids under 16
