Youth advocates are urging the federal government to treat online safety as a matter of human rights, highlighting that current systems are not effectively supporting them. During a press conference on Parliament Hill, representatives from the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights shared their expectations for future legislative actions from Ottawa.
Following the failure of Bill C-63 in Parliament due to prorogation last year, advocates stressed the importance of meaningful consultations with young individuals before reintroducing any online harms bill. Advocate Kamalavasani Karunakaran noted that without a comprehensive policy in place, the concerns and needs of young people remain unaddressed, emphasizing that online harm extends beyond digital platforms and affects various aspects of their lives.
The Youth Digital Rights Blueprint from the center highlighted that young Canadians felt excluded from the development of Bill C-63, being consulted only after decisions were made and faced with language barriers. The report identified risks faced by youth online, proposing a digital safety framework aligned with international standards and Canada’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The report revealed that youth encounter gender- and identity-based violence on gaming platforms and are vulnerable to sexual exploitation, privacy breaches, and mental health risks in inadequately regulated online environments. It emphasized the urgent need for a national digital safety statute to mitigate these harms effectively.
Advocates called for proactive federal action, emphasizing the importance of implementing practical steps outlined in the report’s pillars: participation, protection, remedy, and support, which they believe are achievable with sufficient backing.
Justice Minister Sean Fraser previously stated the government’s intention to reassess its online harms legislation, indicating a willingness to make necessary adjustments. The report recommended establishing a national youth digital safety advisory council and incorporating permanent youth liaison roles in federal departments to ensure diverse youth experiences are represented in policymaking.
Furthermore, the report urged increased investment in youth-led research focusing on digital rights, AI ethics, platform accountability, and online harm prevention. It stressed the significance of engaging youth in policy consultations to develop more sustainable and effective policies.
Recent actions in countries like Australia and France, which have implemented bans on social media for children under specific age limits, were cited as examples of legislative measures addressing the addictive and detrimental nature of social media for young individuals. Advocates emphasized the importance of genuine collaboration with young people throughout the legislative process, rather than as an afterthought or mere symbolic gesture.
