Canada’s Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Ya’ara Saks, announced plans to prohibit individuals under the age of 16 from possessing social media accounts without parental consent. The proposed legislation aims to protect young people from online harms, including cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and potential addiction. The government will require social media companies to obtain verifiable parental consent before allowing access for users under 16. Details regarding the implementation of age verification systems are still being developed, posing a potential challenge for platforms. Saks emphasized the need to address the negative impacts of social media on youth mental health, citing growing concerns from parents and experts. The move positions Canada as a leader in regulating social media access for minors, following similar discussions in other countries. The legislation is expected to face debate regarding privacy concerns and the feasibility of effective age verification.