The government has introduced legislation to address the negative effects children experience from the overuse and unfair businesses practices of digital services and platforms.

"This legislation will help protect young people from the negative impacts of being online," said Justice Minister Robert McKee, who is also minister responsible for addictions and mental health services. "We know kids are online, and it is our responsibility to make decisions that will help them be safe while they are online."

The Act Respecting Young Persons, Digital Markets, and Technology Use includes a proposed Young Consumers in Digital Markets Act, the first legislation of its kind in Canada and a complement to Bill C-34, the Safe Social Media Act, proposed by the federal government.

The Young Consumers in Digital Markets Act aims to protect consumers under the age of 16 in their interactions with digital platforms, digital goods and digital services by prohibiting unfair consumer-facing practices aimed at young consumers. It would be enforced and administered by the Financial and Consumer Services Commission. It would place greater responsibility on the providers of digital products to help prevent:  

• Misleading young consumers or hiding important information from them.
• Using pressure or urgency to encourage a young consumer to make a purchase or agree to something.
• Making it difficult for a young consumer to understand what he or she is agreeing to.
• Using ads or communications that would unfairly influence a young consumer's decision or behaviour.

"Young consumers deserve fair treatment in digital marketplaces," said Kevin Hoyt, the commission's CEO. "The legislation will set clear expectations for how businesses design, market and deliver digital products and services to young consumers."

The Young Consumers in Digital Markets Act would apply to providers of digital goods, services and platforms used by young consumers, covering apps, games and social media services. It would establish rules for business practices that affect young consumers, including marketing and the use of certain design features. 

"The proposed act would be a first for Canada, putting under law cellphone restrictions and limits on non-educational videos to make sure students' attention is on learning at school, and protecting them on digital services beyond the classroom," said André Côté, executive director of the Dais at Toronto Metropolitan University. "This is a trail-blazing precedent other provinces can follow."

The Act Respecting Young Persons, Digital Markets, and Technology Use would also legislate amendments to Policy 311 (Responsible Use of Digital Technology) and the creation of Policy 902 (Screen Time and Personal Mobile Device Use in Licensed Early Learning and Child Care Facilities), which were both implemented in September.

These policies aim to reduce classroom distractions and keep the focus on learning and real social connections. The rules on cellphones and personal mobile devices will take effect for students in grades 9-12 at the start of the second semester in February 2027.