Evidence shows that excessive screen time and social media use are increasingly linked to mental health concerns in youth, including addiction, anxiety, and depression.
Add your name to urge the Ontario Legislature to investigate the impact of social media on youth and develop clear policy recommendations for both the Legislature and institutions to implement.
Sign the petition below or download a paper version.
To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:
WHEREAS research shows strong links between excessive screen time and mental health concerns, particularly among youth.
WHEREAS young people have become dependent on social media and some experience harmful effects related to its use.
WHEREAS several school boards in Ontario are pursuing legal action to hold social media companies to account.
WHEREAS Australia approved a social media ban for children under the age of 16 in November 2024.
WHEREAS we need clear guidelines on how much screen time and what kinds of content may negatively affect children's development.
WHEREAS it is crucial to support young people in developing healthy relationships with technology to help prevent long-term societal challenges.
WE, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario 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.