Parents and children unite to push for online harms bill safety

As the digital landscape evolves, the safety of children online has become a pressing issue for parents, educators, and policymakers alike. The recent rally at Parliament Hill highlighted the urgency of enacting stronger protections against online harms. This gathering, which united parents and youth, aims to ensure that children's safety remains a priority in legislative discussions.

Understanding the Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act

The proposed Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act seeks to establish comprehensive regulations designed to protect children from online predators and harmful content. Advocates argue that the bill, previously known as the Online Harms Act, should be rebranded as the Online Safety Act to better reflect its mission of safeguarding children.

Sara Austin, founder of Children First Canada, emphasized the importance of a unified approach among lawmakers: “The protection of our children should be a collective goal that transcends political divides.” By renaming the bill, advocates hope to foster a greater sense of collaboration in Parliament.

The previous legislative efforts

The prior version of the bill, known as Bill C-63, faced setbacks and ultimately failed to pass when Parliament was prorogued in January 2025. This legislation aimed to hold social media platforms accountable for protecting children and removing harmful content. However, with the increasing number of online threats, advocates believe that new and improved measures are essential.

• Duty of Care: Platforms must take proactive steps to prevent foreseeable harm to children.
• Independent Regulation: Establish an independent body with enforcement powers to oversee compliance.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Ensure safety measures span social media, gaming, and AI technologies.

The alarming rise in online dangers

Statistics reveal a troubling trend in online luring cases, which rose by nearly 20% from 2024 to 2025. Reports indicate that the number of incidents surged from 2,882 to 3,456. This alarming increase underscores the critical need for robust online safety legislation.

At a recent rally, Diya Praveen, a high school student, shared her troubling experiences with online group chats promoting self-harm and hate speech. She spoke about the lack of awareness among young users regarding the potential dangers of certain online communities. “These platforms can become addictive, impacting youth in ways we often overlook,” she noted.

The rally for change

On a vibrant Monday, parents, children, and advocates gathered at Parliament Hill, donning matching purple shirts with the slogan, “Don’t delay. Protect kids today.” The participants held small plastic hourglasses, symbolizing their belief that the passage of online safety legislation is long overdue. Their stories highlighted the urgent need for action.

The rally drew attention from key government officials, including staff from Prime Minister Mark Carney’s office and Canadian Identity and Culture Minister Marc Miller. Hermine Landry, a spokesperson for Minister Miller, stated, “We all want our children to be safe as they navigate the digital world.” This sentiment reflects a growing recognition of the responsibility digital platforms hold in ensuring a safe environment for young users.

Voices of personal experience

Many rally attendees shared heartbreaking stories that illustrate the risks children face online. Carol Todd, mother of Amanda Todd, who tragically took her own life in 2012 after enduring cyberbullying, expressed her frustration at the lack of legislative progress: “Amanda was a child. She should have been protected.” Her remarks serve as a poignant reminder of the consequences of inaction.

Similarly, Jason Sokolowski recounted the harrowing experiences of his daughter, Penelope, who was groomed and extorted on social media applications before her untimely death. “It’s terrifying to watch your child cry for help without understanding the nature of their distress,” he shared, highlighting the urgency for decisive legislative measures.

Current legislative landscape and future initiatives

The calls for stronger protections come at a time when provinces like Manitoba are considering introducing bans on youth accessing social media and AI chatbots. These proposals highlight a growing recognition of the need to address digital safety comprehensively.

As discussions continue, advocates stress the importance of not delaying the implementation of safety measures. Sara Austin expressed concern that overly stringent age verification processes could hinder timely action. “We must ensure that age restrictions apply across all platforms, including gaming and AI, to protect children effectively,” she asserted.

Key elements of effective online safety legislation

For any new legislation to be effective, it should incorporate several critical elements:

• Clear Definitions: Establish clear definitions of online harms, including grooming, exploitation, and cyberbullying.
• Enforcement Mechanisms: Implement strong penalties for non-compliance among digital platforms.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Promote educational initiatives to inform parents and children about online risks.
• Collaboration with Experts: Involve child psychologists, educators, and cybersecurity experts in the legislative process.

As the digital world continues to evolve, the urgency for legislative action to protect children online remains paramount. Advocates remain hopeful that the voices of parents and youth will resonate with lawmakers, leading to the swift passage of the Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act.