Over two-thirds of Canadians support social media ban for kids under 16: poll

A new poll indicates more than two-thirds of Canadians support banning access to social media and AI chatbots for children under 16-years-old.

Of the 1,800 respondents to Leger’s online poll last weekend, 70 per cent said they support age restrictions for social media like Instagram and Tiktok.

Nearly the same number support restricting AI chatbots like ChatGPT.

The idea of implementing age restrictions for social media has gained momentum globally since Australia enacted a ban last December.

A Leger spokesperson said concern from Canadians on this issue “is pretty high,” and there is a preference for a national approach.

Nearly 40 per cent said they were concerned banning youth from using AI chatbots could “limit their access to useful tools for learning, communications or creativity.”

With files from The Canadian Press.

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