Children’s Healthcare Canada Welcomes Introduction of the Safe Social Media Act

Federal action to hold digital platforms accountable marks a meaningful step forward for the health of children and youth in Canada

Ottawa – June 10, 2026 - Children’s Healthcare Canada (CHC) commends the Government of Canada for introducing the Safe Social Media Act, and for making the health of Canadian children and youth a legislative priority. This is a meaningful and welcome step in holding digital platforms accountable.

CHC and its member organizations represent health systems serving children and youth from coast to coast, spanning tertiary and rehabilitation hospitals, community hospitals, children’s treatment centres, and home and respite care providers. Every day, our members see the real impacts of harmful online content and digital engagement on the health of children and youth. These harms are not theoretical; they are being witnessed and treated in pediatric care settings across the country. Federal action to prioritize the health of youth in Canada is both important and long overdue.

“Children and youth are experiencing measurable consequences from digital environments that were not designed with their health and safety in mind. We commend the government for taking action, and we are committed to bringing the clinical and health system expertise of Canada’s children’s healthcare community to help shape strong legislation.”

— Emily Gruenwoldt, CEO, Children’s Healthcare Canada

CHC is encouraged by the legislation’s standards-based approach and looks forward to understanding how it will protect children and youth while enabling them to benefit from safe digital spaces. We look forward to reviewing the full text of the legislation to understand better its scope and nuances and how it will safeguard children and youth in digital environments.

CHC and its members are committed to contributing their clinical and health system expertise to support evidence-based policy making. We believe children’s physical and mental health must be central to Canada’s approach to online safety, and we look forward to working with parliamentarians, partners, and stakeholders to advance legislation that is comprehensive, enforceable, and responsive to the needs of children and youth across Canada.

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Media Contact:
Marjolaine Provost,
Director of Public Affairs, mprovost@childrenshealthcarecanada.ca