News

Canada banning social media for under 16s and what this could mean for the industry

June 10 2026

The Youth Media Alliance (YMA) recognizes the growing concerns around children's screen time, online safety, mental health, and exposure to inappropriate content. In that context, YMA generally supports efforts to strengthen protections for children online, including proposals to restrict access to social media platforms for users under 16.

From an industry perspective, such a ban could make it more difficult to reach younger audiences through traditional social media channels. Children's content producers, broadcasters, and digital creators increasingly use social platforms as part of broader audience engagement strategies, extending storytelling beyond the screen through interactive experiences, community building, and educational content.

However, the impact on the children's media sector is nuanced. While reduced access to social media may limit certain marketing and engagement opportunities, it could also encourage the development of healthier, age-appropriate digital environments and reinforce the value of trusted children's media brands. Many parents, educators, and child-development experts argue that reducing children's exposure to addictive social media features may have positive effects on well-being and healthy development.

YMA believes that any regulatory framework should recognize the differences between younger children and teenagers. While stronger protections for children are important, policymakers should consider a more tailored approach for adolescents, who increasingly engage with digital media for learning, creativity, social interaction, and participation in interactive content experiences tied to children's programming.

Looking ahead, the industry may wish to consider several actions:

Investing in safe, age-appropriate digital spaces that allow audience engagement without relying on mainstream social media platforms.
Expanding partnerships with schools, libraries, and community organizations to reach young audiences through trusted channels.
Developing interactive experiences that prioritize privacy, safety, and digital well-being by design.
Advocating for regulatory frameworks that distinguish between commercial social media environments and moderated educational or creative platforms.
Exploring new methods of audience measurement and engagement as traditional social media reach potentially declines.

Overall, YMA views the proposed restrictions as an opportunity to strike a better balance between protecting children's health and enabling meaningful, age-appropriate digital participation. The goal should not simply be to reduce access, but to create a healthier digital ecosystem that serves children, families, creators, and the broader children's media industry.

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Recognition of indigenous narrative sovereignty

When in Toronto: We, the YMA, acknowledge the land we work on is the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples, and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit and the Williams Treaty signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands.

When in Montreal: We, the YMA, acknowledge that the land on which we gather is the traditional and unceded territory of the Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) Nation, who have long served as the custodians of these lands and waters. Tiohtià:ke (Montreal) has historically been a place of meeting and exchange among many First Nations and continues to be home to a diverse Indigenous community.

The YMA supports and promotes the narrative sovereignty of all Indigenous nations

Recognition of the Canadian Screen Industry's Statement of Values

The YMA joins organizations across Canada’s screen industry to say: this is what we stand for and commit to:
1. Representation – Ensuring Canadian and Indigenous stories are seen and heard.
2. Reflection – Everyone in Canada should see themselves on screen.
3. Showcase – Telling our stories to the world.
4. Reconciliation – Taking real steps to work with and support Indigenous storytellers.
5. Diversity – Making room for a wide range of lived experiences and perspectives.
6. Access – Breaking down barriers to participation and opportunity.
7. Support – Backing the screen industry as a vital part of our economy and culture.
8. Collaboration – Working across sectors and borders to strengthen our industry.
9. Sustainability – Creating a future that works for people and the planet.
10. Accountability – Setting goals, tracking progress, and staying honest about where we are.
11. Equity – Actively dismantling systemic discrimination in all its forms.

Mitigating the Environmental Impact of Events

The YMA helps mitigate the environmental impact of all its activities by adopting sustainable practices throughout the event. This includes choosing venues with strong green policies, reducing printed materials by prioritizing digital programs, and encouraging participants to use reusable water bottles and coffee cups. Offering plant-based and locally sourced menu options, minimizing single-use plastics, and ensuring effective waste sorting and recycling on-site are also important steps. Finally, the YMA promotes low-carbon travel by encouraging public transit, carpooling, or virtual participation options where possible, ensuring the conference remains both impactful and environmentally responsible.