Raising Canada 2026 makes a compelling case for action: kids are growing up in digital environments not designed with their well-being in mind. Passing Bill C-34, the Safe Social Media Act, would signal the federal government’s commitment to keeping kids safe online.
But passing legislation should be seen as a beginning, not an endpoint.
To ensure Bill C-34 supports kids’ well-being, we need clear goalposts for success and effective ways to measure it. Here are 5 ways to get started:
1. Establish baseline measures before age restrictions are implemented. Knowing where we are starting will make it easier to see the impacts of Bill C-34.
2. Evaluate outcomes across different groups of young people. Disaggregating findings by factors such as race, immigration status, disability, and 2SLGBTQIA+ identity can show who benefits from the legislation, in what ways, and under what conditions.
3. Create space to examine unintended impacts. This would build Canadians’ understanding of how the new legislation is affecting young people’s privacy, sense of belonging, and access to supportive communities.
4. Involve young people with a wide range of life experiences in defining success. They provide valuable insight into what “safety”, “privacy”, or “belonging” look like in real life.
5. Build in ongoing learning opportunities. Review evidence and experience regularly so policies can adapt and improve in relation to the Canadian context.
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