Discussion · Government Orders
Michelle Rempel Garner Conservative
“We need rules to keep kids safe online. But research shows social media can help rural teens and LGBTQ youth find support they cannot get in person. If our rules take these resources away, what is the government doing to replace them?”
“Madam Speaker, my colleague opposite mentioned rural and remote communities. We know we need these safeguards to keep kids safe online, but there has actually been comprehensive research that shows that with the right and appropriate safeguards, particularly for teens who are more in the 15 to 16 years old age range, some forms of social media might actually provide benefits, particularly in rural communities and particularly for young sexual minority groups. These young adults may depend on online platforms for peer support, cultural connection and access to resources unavailable in their off-line environments. Systemic academic reviews confirm these facts. I am not saying there should not be online safeguards for kids, because there have to be, but if the government is going to apply these safeguards, there is also a risk that these resources could be removed. What is she doing to replace them?”
Madam Speaker, my colleague opposite mentioned rural and remote communities. We know we need these safeguards to keep kids safe online, but there has actually been comprehensive research that shows that with the right and appropriate safeguards, particularly for teens who are more in the 15 to 16 years old age range, some forms of social media might actually provide benefits, particularly in rural communities and particularly for young sexual minority groups. These young adults may depend on online platforms for peer support, cultural connection and access to resources unavailable in their off-line environments. Systemic academic reviews confirm these facts. I am not saying there should not be online safeguards for kids, because there have to be, but if the government is going to apply these safeguards, there is also a risk that these resources could be removed. What is she doing to replace them?