Doctors in Quebec are urging a ban on social media accounts for kids under 14 to protect their health
Quebec: Recently, doctors in Quebec have raised concerns about kids using social media. They believe it’s causing serious health issues. The Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec (FMSQ) is suggesting that kids under 14 shouldn’t be allowed to create social media accounts.
Dr. Vincent Oliva, the FMSQ president, shared these ideas with lawmakers. He thinks that from ages 14 to 16, kids should only join social networks with their parents’ permission. He believes 16 should be the age when they can manage their accounts on their own.
They also want to ban cell phones in schools and limit screen time to just educational use. Creating Wi-Fi-free zones in schools could help too. Plus, they’re pushing for digital citizenship workshops to teach kids about online safety.
Dr. Oliva emphasized that big tech companies need to step up. They should help keep harmful content away from kids. He’s also calling for them to tackle misinformation online.
Interestingly, TikTok Canada and Meta Canada recently pulled out of discussions about the impact of screens on youth. There have been delays in their hearings, which has frustrated many.
Experts are saying that screen time is a public health issue. Kids are using these platforms without much guidance from parents. This lack of supervision is linked to rising rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues in Quebec.
Dr. Oliva pointed out that parents need to be involved. He shared tips for them, like being good role models with their own screen use and limiting screen time before bed.
Dr. Yohann St-Pierre, a pediatrician, mentioned that he spends a lot of time educating parents about screen use. He’s noticed more behavioral problems in kids, which he believes is connected to excessive screen time.
He’s worried that if things don’t change, we might be facing a bigger crisis soon.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
