Poll: Three in four Canadians support a social media ban for under-16s
Latest news on WhatsApp أجدد الأخبار على واتساب
A new Canadian poll points to growing public concern over the effect of social media on children and teenagers, with a strong majority saying minors under 16 should be barred from using these platforms. According to the Angus Reid Institute, 75 per cent of respondents support a full social media ban for that age group.
Support extends beyond a full ban to broader digital controls. The survey found that 87 per cent back banning at least some apps for under-16s, while 86 per cent support requiring parental consent for younger users and 79 per cent favour mandatory time limits.
The findings also show that support remains solid among parents. Backing for a full ban reached 73 per cent among parents whose oldest child is between 10 and 12, and 63 per cent among households whose oldest child is 16 or 17. The numbers reflect a wider shift in Canada toward stricter oversight of youth access to social platforms amid concerns about addiction, cyberbullying, and harmful content.
The poll comes as the international debate over youth access to social platforms continues to grow, especially after Australia’s high-profile move in this area. The survey was conducted online between March 11 and 17, 2026, among more than 4,000 Canadian adults.
