Waterloo MPP calling for better social media protection for youth

More needs to be done to protect children from the dangers of social media: Waterloo NDP MPP Catherine Fife said in a motion this week calling for just that.

“Ontario’s public health units have a role to play by implementing clear evidence-based warnings about the health risks of excessive social media use, similar to warnings we see about tobacco and alcohol,” she said.

Fife quoted a 2022 survey that showed over four years, students’ mental and physical health have declined across Waterloo Region, with social media platforms in part to blame.

“Research continues to show what parents and educators already know—excessive screen time and unregulated social media use are harming kids’ mental health,” said Fife. “Ontario needs to take this seriously and begin putting safeguards in place to protect our youth.”

Fife’s motion urges the Standing Committee on Social Policy to commission a report that would:

• Review the addictive nature of social media platforms for those under 18, including the use of curated algorithms, infinite scroll, surveillance capitalism, and frequent notifications
• Clarify the responsibilities of social media companies in moderating access and usage for children under 13
• Require Ontario Public Health Units to implement clear health warnings on social media platforms about the risks of excessive use by youth.
• Health professionals and community advocates who see the harms of unchecked digital exposure every day are backing the NDP’s push.

The motion comes as four of the provinces’ largest school boards are suing the parent companies of Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok.

The lawsuit, in part, alleges these social media platforms are contributing to a mental health crisis in Ontario schools.

There are no Waterloo Region school boards that are part of that lawsuit.