Talk has begun in political circles to impose restrictions in Newfoundland and Labrador on access to social media by young people with the introduction of a Private Member’s Bill in the legislature.

Opposition Leader John Hogan introduced the motion, which calls on government to ban the use of social media and AI chatbots for children 16 years of age and younger.

Registered psychologist Dr Janine Hubbard says while they are seeing an impact on a percentage of kids, what is not understood is who is most at risk.

Heavy and early use can make a child more vulnerable.

Australia introduced a ban last year and Hubbard says we still don’t have a handle on how that is unfolding.

“A ban sounds really easy and popular but the reality is it sounds like it has reduced usage in Australia but there are risks that come with an outright ban and an outright age limit,” says Hubbard.