Quebec Premier François Legault has dismissed the idea of implementing a law that would restrict social media use for youth under the age of 15.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Legault stated that while he understands the concerns surrounding the impact of social media on young people, he does not believe that a law is the solution.
“I think it’s important for parents to be vigilant and to educate their children about the dangers of social media,” Legault said. “But I don’t think that imposing a law is the right approach.”
The idea of a law restricting social media use for minors was proposed by the Quebec Liberal Party, who argued that it would protect young people from the negative effects of social media, such as cyberbullying and addiction.
However, Legault believes that parents should take on the responsibility of monitoring their children’s social media use and teaching them how to use it responsibly.
“I think it’s up to parents to set limits and to make sure their children are using social media in a safe and healthy way,” he said.
Legault also pointed out that enforcing such a law would be difficult and could potentially infringe on freedom of expression.
“I don’t think it’s realistic to expect the government to monitor and control what young people are doing on social media,” he stated.
The premier’s comments come after a recent study by the Canadian Paediatric Society found that excessive social media use can have negative effects on the mental health and well-being of young people.
However, Legault assured that his government is taking steps to address this issue, such as investing in mental health services for youth and promoting digital literacy in schools.
In conclusion, while acknowledging the concerns surrounding social media use among young people, Premier Legault believes that it is ultimately the responsibility of parents to educate and monitor their children’s use of social media, rather than implementing a law.
