Summary#
This bill aims to keep children under 16 off certain social media platforms to reduce harms linked to school and learning. It puts the duty on social media companies to stop under‑16 users from using their platforms in Nova Scotia.
- Sets a rule that “age‑restricted users” are children under 16.
- Defines which services count as social media platforms, with details to be set by government rules later.
- Requires platform providers to take reasonable steps to prevent under‑16s from using their services.
- Lets the provincial Cabinet name which services are in or out and decide what steps companies must take.
- Sets fines up to $300,000 for breaking the rules, with extra fines equal to any profits made from the violation. Each day can count as a separate offence.
- Excludes services used only for business purposes and services not accessible in Nova Scotia.
What it means for you#
- Youth under 16
- You may be blocked from creating or keeping accounts on many social media apps in Nova Scotia.
- Existing accounts could be removed if the platform applies age rules.
- Parents and guardians
- Your child under 16 may lose access to social media platforms covered by this law.
- You and your child may face new age checks when using apps. The exact process will be set by the government in future rules.
- Adults 16 and over
- You may see more age checks when signing up or logging in, to show you are old enough.
- Your access to business‑only tools (workplace messaging, for example) should not be affected.
- Schools and teachers
- Students under 16 may have less access to social media for class projects or clubs if those platforms are covered.
- The bill does not place new duties on schools; it targets platform providers.
- Social media companies
- You must take reasonable steps, as defined by future regulations, to stop under‑16s in Nova Scotia from using your platform.
- Non‑compliance can lead to fines up to $300,000, plus an extra fine equal to any profits gained from the violation. Each day you remain non‑compliant can be treated as a separate offence.
- The government can decide which services are covered or exempted through regulations.
Expenses#
No publicly available information.
Proponents' View#
- This will reduce classroom distractions and improve focus and learning for younger students.
- It addresses mental health and bullying concerns linked to heavy social media use among children.
- It puts responsibility on the companies that run the platforms, rather than leaving it only to parents or schools.
- Clear fines create a strong incentive for companies to comply.
- The province has authority over education, so it can act to limit education‑related harms.
Opponents' View#
- Age checks could raise privacy concerns if apps ask for IDs or other personal data.
- Children may find workarounds, making the rules hard to enforce while still burdening law‑abiding users.
- The law could block useful or educational content and limit online communities for youth.
- Compliance costs may be heavy for smaller platforms, and uncertainty is high because many details are left to future regulations.
- Critics may argue it risks limiting free expression or access to information for teens without clear evidence it will improve school outcomes.