Today marks the release of Raising Canada 2026, the annual research report produced by Children First Canada since 2018. For the first time, online harms have been identified as the #1 threat facing children in Canada.
PolicyWise for Children & Families is proud to serve as the National Presenting Partner for this year’s report. We partnered with Children First Canada because we share a commitment to improving the well-being of kids in Canada, and we believe that protecting childhoods come from collaboration and action-ready research.
Good Evidence Does More Than Describe Problems
Raising Canada is a leading example of how evidence-informed decision-making can support youth well-being. By combining the latest research with the perspectives of subject-matter experts, caregivers, and, most importantly, young people, the report identifies system gaps and policy opportunities. It translates complex realities into a clear case for action that all levels of government can act on right now.
The Evidence Points to Coordinated Action
The 2026 report reveals that threats to childhood are becoming more serious and interconnected. Online harms now affect children and young people at every stage, from AI-powered toys in early childhood to AI chatbots used by teens. And what happens online doesn’t stay online. Digital harms are also accelerating other critical issues, including poor mental health, declining physical activity and play, bullying, racism, and violence.
Canada’s 8 million children deserve better
Currently, Canada ranks 72nd out of 194 countries on the 2026 KidsRights Index, down from 67th last year. This gap between potential and reality highlights the urgent need for coordinated evidence-based responses.
To make sure policies keep up with emerging realities, any policy response must be paired with thoughtful data collection. Here is how the evidence from Raising Canada 2026 informs the Calls to Action:
Strengthen and Pass Bill C-34
Without meaningful digital safety legislation, Canada leaves young people to navigate online harms alone. Kids have the right to safe and inclusive online spaces, which requires enforceable policy. We call on the federal government to strengthen and pass Bill C-34, the Safe Social Media Act. However, passing the bill is just the beginning. The Digital Safety Commission of Canada, created via this legislation, must establish a strong data collection framework to track implementation, identify gaps, and measure outcomes. Crucially, the Commission must engage youth voices and equity-deserving communities in developing its regulations and monitoring impacts.
Create a National Strategy for Children and Youth—and Pass Bill S-212
Canada needs a comprehensive national strategy that places children’s rights and well-being at the centre of government decision-making.
How Bill S-212 would support the strategy
Bill S-212 would provide the foundation for coordinated, measurable action by:
- Establishing a framework to measure and track progress;
- Coordinating and harmonizing data from provincial, territorial, and Indigenous governments and the social sector; and
- Guiding progress toward a shared national vision for child well-being.
Invest in Coordinated Action
Children experience these challenges together, and governments must respond the same way. The evidence points to a need to align investments across health, education, mental health, poverty reduction, food security, child protection, housing, and digital literacy. Resources must be directed to children and communities facing the greatest inequities.
Take Action
Raising Canada 2026 is a leading example of how evidence-informed decision-making can support youth well-being. Its Calls to Action point to a need for coordinated responses to the complex issues facing young people today.
We encourage you to read the full report to understand the data behind these findings. Whether you are a policymaker, educator, or parent, this research offers practical insights into how we can better support young people.
If you agree that protecting childhood requires coordinated, evidence-informed action, we invite you to sign the Raising Canada Pledge. By joining thousands of Canadians, you signal to our leaders that children’s rights must be protected everywhere they live, learn, play, and connect—including online.
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