The results of a province-wide survey indicate that Saskatchewan residents are fully on board with social media limits for youth.

The survey was conducted by the Government of Saskatchewan, asking respondents whether or not they support increased online safeguards for children under the age of 16.

Of those who responded, 86.34 per cent answered yes, while 13.66 per cent answered no.

The survey focused on implementing potential restrictions for major social media platforms, including TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Snapchat, however YouTube was the platform most frequently identified as warranting an exemption from limits.

Respondents were also asked what age should apply to any potential restrictions, to which a majority indicated that limits should apply to youth aged 16 and under.

In a government new release, Youth Matter Canada Executive Director Laura Lawrence says the message received is that “The addictive design of digital platforms like social media and YouTube, combined with the prevalence of harmful content and online predators, poses a real risk to the mental health and wellbeing of our children and teens. Age-appropriate access is an important first step.”

The Province will use the survey results to support ongoing discussions with the Federal Government on potential measures to strengthen online protection for children and youth.