The Opposition is calling for a ban on the use of social media and AI chatbots for school-aged children in this province – similar to that introduced in other jurisdictions.

Leader John Hogan introduced the private members’ motion in the House of Assembly yesterday.

Manitoba is proposing a legislative ban on social media platforms and AI chatbots for kids 16 and younger, which would be the first of its kind in Canada.

Hogan cites cyberbullying and the impact of social media on the mental health of young people as reasons for the ban.

He says its use is prevalent and harmful, with some reports calling it a crisis. “If we’re in a crisis, why are we waiting? Why are we not doing things to help children in our province to avoid the pitfalls that social media can present?”