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Ontario teen journalist Wyatt Sharpe believes Canada’s suggested ban on social media accounts for those under 16 might not work, pointing out that many young users already find ways around age limits using VPNs or by lying about their ages. While Sharpe is in favor of better online safety measures, he thinks that regulating platforms and holding them accountable would be more effective than a sweeping ban. He suggests that limiting access could drive teens to less monitored online areas and insists that lawmakers should engage with youth before making decisions that impact them directly. The federal government claims the proposed law aims to enhance digital safety for children. An Ontario teen journalist is voicing his concerns over a bill aimed at stopping youth under 16 from having social media accounts. This social media regulation forms part of Bill C-34, known as the Safe Social Media Act, which was introduced by the federal government last week to tackle issues related to technology’s impact on young individuals. These restrictions are similar to a policy enacted by Australia in December 2025, which prohibits kids under 16 from creating accounts on platforms like Tik Tok, Instagram, X, Facebook, Snapchat, and others. Although the proposal hasn’t been officially approved yet, some members of the public have expressed support for it, noting the negative effects social media can have on mental health. Read More However, Wyatt Sharpe, a 17-year-old student and host of The Sharpe Exchange digital program, has raised alarms about the legislation. He believes it could push youth to bypass age verification systems and access unregulated spaces online.Teens could find ban loopholes
In an interview with Now Toronto, Sharpe agreed it’s vital for the government to implement regulations concerning how youth use digital tools since safety and mental health are major issues among younger generations. On the flip side, he feels banning those under 16 isn’t an effective solution. “A lot of what the government is doing…is trying to fill a kind of a checkbox, and they’re trying to say that they have addressed this issue without doing it in perhaps the way that they should be doing, which is having regulation as opposed to a blanket ban,” he said. Sharpe points out that banning kids from making social media profiles doesn’t actually keep them off these platforms; many easily find ways around restrictions using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) or simply misrepresenting their ages. Since Australia put its ban in place, reports indicate it’s been ineffective at keeping children away from these sites; some have figured out how to remain active online. Additionally, Sharpe noted that when using VPNs, many teens may end up accessing unregulated platforms which could lead them into even riskier situations than before. “If you’re setting your location to another network and to therefore another country, you’re then under those other rules as well of that country which in some cases will not have the regulation that Canada has,” he said. “Not using some of these VPN tools will really help ensure that young people are not going into some of these other spaces and that young people aren’t being drawn into these kind of unhealthy unsafe environments.”Teen urges government to consider youth voices
Alongside highlighting problems with the proposed ban itself , Sharpe also emphasized how important it is for policymakers not to overlook young people’s perspectives when crafting laws affecting their lives directly. He feels like rather than seeking quick fixes , the government should conduct thorough research and consult with younger Canadians for better outcomes. “The government is looking at parents , and parents are people who have voting rights…whereas the young people who this affects don’t have those same voting rights,” he said. “When you talk to parents , they’re very much in favor of this because they see the impact social media has on their kids , and so as a result , the government is doing this again to please parents.” Even though Canadians can only vote starting at age 18 , Sharpe argues it’s essential for officials in power listen actively enough so they get insights into how best handle such matters while encouraging political involvement among younger generations.Ministry o f Canadian Identity an d Culture says t h e legislation i s about safety
Hermine Landry , Director o f Issues Management , Press Secretary an d Senior Communications Advisor at t h e Ministry o f Canadian Identity an d Culture , tells Now Toronto t h e bill aims t o work w i t h social media an d AI chatbots platforms t o create a safer space f o r youth.
In addition , t h e bill will also create an independent Digital Safety Commission , which will be responsible f o r enforcing t h e legislation an d handling complaints from citizens.
“We have seen t h e devastating impacts o nline harms , particularly on children. These harms are increasing , an d our laws have not kept pace,” she wrote i n an email t o Now Toronto.
“This bill sets out minimum obligations f o r social media platforms, user-generated content services, and AI chatbots t o make t h e digital space safer b y design.”
Teen urges fo r consultation changes in th e bill
Meanwhile Sharp e hopes th e government would consider lowering th e age limit below 16 saying access at such ages could help kids learn how use platforms safely.
“Whether you ’re 16 whether you ’re 18 there ’s not much difference except when one starts using platform s earlier like everyone else does yo u can learn responsibility whic h i s extremely important” he said.
He also stresses th e need fo r officials consulting younger Canadians prior passing any new law while studying ways improve effectiveness bans.
“Young people [are] leaders tomorrow It sounds cliché but they ’re ones voting soon making decisions ”.
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