Canada to Raise Social Media Age Limit to 14: Implications of the New Proposal.

31.01.2026 223

31.01.2026 223

Protecting children on Canadian social media

Canada's New Initiative for Child Online Safety

According to TSN.ua: The Canadian government is preparing new legislation that would raise the minimum age for social media users to 14. This move aims to combat online violence against children, and ministers could review the bill as early as next month. Currently, Canada has a formal ban for children under 13, but a surge in cases of extreme online violence has prompted the call for stricter measures. This legislative push reflects a growing global concern over the impact of social media on youth mental health and safety.

Online Violence Statistics and Government Action

From June 2022 to December 2025, the country recorded 127 cases of extreme online violence, with the majority occurring in the last 12 months. This alarming trend underscores the urgency of measures to protect children in digital spaces. Notably, in December 2025, Australia enacted a ban on social media for children under 16. Canada and the United Kingdom are also considering implementing similar restrictions within their jurisdictions.

In a related effort, the Canadian government is drafting a bill to prohibit targeted advertising aimed at individuals under the age of 18. These proposed steps have sparked a debate among experts. For instance,

Karim Ghanem noted that the new rules could create significant privacy risks for families while failing to provide adequate protection for children.

As such, the issue of child safety on social media remains a pressing topic requiring thorough discussion. The challenge for lawmakers will be to craft effective policies without overstepping into excessive surveillance or data collection.

The proposed legislative changes in Canada highlight increasing concern for children's online safety, particularly amid rising incidents of digital abuse. Raising the age limit and banning targeted ads are part of a broader international trend where nations are seeking to better safeguard minors in the digital environment. While these initiatives could represent a significant step toward creating a safer online space for youth, they also necessitate a careful balance between protection and privacy. The mixed reaction from the public and experts underscores the complexity of an issue that demands continued analysis and dialogue.