Social media: Legault dismisses idea of imposing digital restrictions for those under 15

Quebec Premier François Legault dismissed the idea of imposing a law restricting social media use for those under 15 – as France did.

During question period on Thursday, Legault ridiculed the proposal by Parti Québécois (PQ) leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon to introduce this type of parental control.

St-Pierre Plamondon pointed out that besides France, the state of Florida had recently decided to impose the restriction as well.

In Florida, the law, which takes effect in January, will prohibit those under 14 from opening an account on social media. Teens aged 14 and 15 will need parental permission to sign up for these platforms.

“Are these solutions being considered by the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), and will we see them implemented next fall, not in three years?” asked St-Pierre Plamondon on Thursday.

“Well, did I just hear the leader of the PQ say: ‘We should ban social media for children under 14’? Is that what he just said there? Did I hear correctly? Is that his suggestion?” Legault responded, bewildered.

Last month, Quebec Minister responsible for Social Services, Lionel Carmant, said that he had “identified social media as problematic.”

“Other things have been done on social media, either age-related or edited content. So, we are asking experts what can be done. It will be a decision based on science,” he added.

Minister Carmant had previously mentioned the possibility of legislation to regulate screen use among young people. Without echoing the words of Legault, Carmant instead called for parents’ collaboration to limit screen time.

On Thursday, St-Pierre Plamondon recalled the harmful consequences of screen overuse on young people’s health. He particularly recalled the remarks of the French Prime Minister, Gabriel Attal, who during a recent visit to Quebec expressed fear of a “health and educational disaster.”

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews