Youth advocates are urging the federal government to prioritize online safety as a human rights concern, expressing dissatisfaction with existing systems. At a press briefing held on Parliament Hill, representatives from the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights shared their expectations for forthcoming legislation and initiatives from Ottawa.
The government’s previous effort to address harmful online conduct, Bill C-63, stalled following Parliament’s prorogation last year. Advocates are emphasizing the importance of involving young people in substantial consultations before reintroducing any legislation on online harms.
Highlighting the repercussions of online harm that persist beyond the digital realm, advocate Kamalavasani Karunakaran stated, “With the setback of Bill C-63, there is a lack of effective policies that cater to the concerns and requirements of young individuals.”
The Youth Digital Rights Blueprint by the center reveals that Canadian youth felt excluded from the development of Bill C-63, being consulted only after decisions were made and facing language barriers and tokenism instead of empowerment. The blueprint identifies risks faced by young people online and proposes a digital safety framework aligned with international standards and Canada’s commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
According to the report, young individuals encounter gender- and identity-based violence and discrimination on gaming platforms, as well as risks such as sexual exploitation, data and privacy breaches, and mental health challenges in inadequately regulated online environments. The absence of a comprehensive national digital safety law exacerbates these risks.
The report outlines four key pillars for action: participation, protection, remedy, and support. “Youth are demanding decisive federal action,” emphasized youth advocate Blue Vetsch, underscoring the practical and feasible steps that could be implemented with sufficient support.
Justice Minister Sean Fraser previously mentioned that the federal government would reassess its approach to online harms legislation. The report’s recommendations include establishing a national youth digital safety advisory council and permanent youth liaison positions in federal departments to represent the diverse experiences of young individuals.
Furthermore, the report calls for increased investment in youth-led research and labs focusing on digital rights, AI ethics, platform accountability, and online harm prevention. It stresses the significance of involving youth in policy discussions to develop more enduring policies.
Recent actions in Australia and France, where social media use for children under a certain age was prohibited, along with ongoing discussions in Spain, Denmark, and Malaysia, highlight the global trend towards recognizing the addictive and detrimental nature of social media for young individuals.
Advocate Fea Jerulen Gelvezon urged early and genuine collaboration with young people during the legislative process, emphasizing the need to involve them meaningfully rather than symbolically or at the conclusion of the decision-making process.
