Your kids will find a way around this social media bill
Morning from the Valley — here's what's growing in Winkler-Morden.
The federal government thinks it can restrict social media for kids under 16 with Bill C-34, the Safe Social Media Act. My gut reaction? They haven't spent five minutes in the basement of a house on North Railway Street or seen how fast information travels between the high school and the rec complex. Teenagers here, like everywhere else, are digital natives. They're telling Ottawa straight up: they'll "always find a way" around these restrictions. And honestly, from what I see of our kids, they absolutely will.
### Growing Up Online in the Valley
Think about it: our kids are growing up in a place where communication and connection are key. Many families here have relatives across the world, and social media is how they stay in touch, share photos of the Corn and Apple Festival, or just see what's happening back home. Banning it for under-16s isn't going to stop them from trying to connect. It just means they'll get savvier about VPNs, burner phones, or creating accounts that aren't tied to their real age.
What this means for Winkler-Morden:
* **More Tech-Savvy Kids:** They'll just learn how to navigate digital privacy and workarounds even earlier. * **Parental Vigilance, Not Legislation:** It puts more onus on parents, not less, to understand what their kids are doing online. A conversation around the kitchen table, maybe over some fresh baking from Main Street, will always be more effective than a federal law. * **A Disconnect with Reality:** Ottawa is missing the mark on how kids actually use these platforms. It's not just about entertainment; it's about community, identity, and information sharing, especially for our rapidly growing and diverse population.
We pride ourselves on being forward-thinking, on adapting and growing. This bill feels like it's trying to put a fence around a river. Our kids are too smart for that, and our community values connection too much. They'll just find a new current.
Corinne Dueck, MiTL Sports Desk.
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