WHEREAS research shows strong links between excessive screen time and mental health concerns, particularly among youth; and
WHEREAS young people have become dependent on social media and some experience harmful effects related to its use; and
WHEREAS several school boards in Ontario are pursuing legal action to hold social media companies to account; and
WHEREAS Australia approved a social media ban for children under the age of 16 in November 2024; and
WHEREAS we need clear guidelines on how much screen time and what kinds of content may negatively affect children's development; and
WHEREAS it is crucial to support young people in developing healthy relationships with technology to help prevent long-term societal challenges.
Therefore, we the undersigned petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to:
Direct the Standing Committee on Social Policy to commission a report on how to:
- Review the addictive nature of social media platforms for under-18s; e.g. curated algorithms, surveillance capitalism, infinite scroll, frequency of notifications.
- Clarify the responsibilities of social media companies regarding the moderation of use by youth under 13.
- Require Ontario Public Health Units to implement a health warning on social media platforms about the risks of excessive social media use by youth.
Download and print the petition HERE and send completed petitions to: MPP Chris Glover, Unit A - 226 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON, M5T 2R9