{
  "id": 12026056,
  "title": "Screen time limits not enough to tackle problematic social media use: experts",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/screen-time-limits-not-enough-to-tackle-problematic-social-media-use-12026056",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-04T23:00:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Global News",
    "slug": "global-news",
    "url": "https://globalnews.ca/news/12087399/problematic-social-media-use/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Global experts, including those from Canada, argue that the widespread use of digital technology by children and youth is a public health concern requiring immediate action. According to a series of Lancet papers, the responsibility for protecting young people from problematic social media and digital technology use should shift from individuals and families to large tech companies and governments. Co-author Jay Shaw of the University of Toronto emphasized that it is not enough to simply rely on screen-time limits and personal willpower, as the design choices and business models of big tech companies play a significant role in the health consequences of digitalization. Social media algorithms and AI chatbots are engineered to keep users engaged and collect their data for advertising purposes, contributing to addictive behaviors and mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and sleep disruption. Despite acknowledging the difficulty in establishing causal evidence, the authors argue that the scale of digital media's presence and varied vulnerability among individuals justify precautionary public health measures. These measures include government regulation and reforming digital platforms' business models to prioritize young people's well-being. Canada has proposed legislation such as Bill C-34 (Safe Social Media Act) and Bill C-36 (Protecting Privacy and Consumer Data Act) to create a Digital Safety Commission, limit social media access for those under 16, and hold tech companies accountable. However, exemptions for companies showing adequate safeguards for child protection remain a point of contention. While social media offers positive uses, such as education and recreation, experts warn against a total ban for younger teens and advocate for a balanced approach that encourages platform safety.",
  "summary": "Experts say the scale of digital technology use by children and youth is a public health issue that needs immediate action to prevent further harm.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "CityNews",
        "title": "Screen time limits not enough to tackle problematic social media use: experts",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/screen-time-limits-not-enough-to-tackle-problematic-social-media-use",
        "published": "2026-10-04T22:30:09.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Screen time limits not enough to tackle problematic social media use: experts",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/screen-time-limits-not-enough-to-tackle-problematic-social-media-use-12021813",
        "published": "2026-10-04T22:30:09.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}