Canada proposes social media ban for under-16s; study links early use to substance experimentation

Canada has proposed a law banning social media for under-16s, while a new study shows early social media use is linked to earlier substance experimentation. The Canadian government introduced the Digital Safety Bill, which would set 16 as the minimum age for social media accounts and create a new regulator to enforce safety standards. "The safety of children cannot be a secondary consideration," said Culture Minister Marc Miller Source: Diario Libre. The bill follows Australia's 2025 ban and is supported by 75% of Canadians Source: El Dia.

Study on early use and substances

Meanwhile, research published in The American Journal of Psychiatry found that adolescents who start social media early and use it heavily are far more likely to experiment with alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis. Teens who began at age 9 and used platforms three or more hours daily were nearly 17 times more likely to try cannabis than those with little or no use Source: CNN. Lead author Dr. Jason M. Nagata noted that exposure to marketing and positive portrayals of substance use on social media may drive this association Source: CNN.

Disagreements and context

While the study shows a strong correlation, experts caution it does not prove causation. The Canadian proposal has sparked debate over free expression, but Justice Minister Sean Fraser argued that protecting youth does not require sacrificing fundamental rights Source: El Dia. The UN's human rights office has warned that banning access is insufficient, urging safer platform design instead Source: Diario Libre.