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On a poignant day in Ottawa, parents and youth gathered at Parliament Hill to urge the federal government to revive its online harms legislation, focusing particularly on safeguarding children from online predators. Organised by Children First Canada, a prominent children’s rights charity, the rally saw participants advocate for a rebranding of the proposed Online Harms Act to the Online Safety Act, underscoring a unified goal: the protection of vulnerable children in the digital landscape.
A Call to Action for Online Safety
The event, held on April 27, featured a passionate address from Sara Austin, the founder and CEO of Children First Canada. Austin articulated a pressing need for the government to reintroduce the previously shelved Bill C-63, which lapsed when Parliament prorogued in January 2025. “Renaming it the Online Safety Act emphasises our commitment to protecting children and uniting all Members of Parliament around this crucial objective,” she stated.
The original bill aimed to impose a duty of care on social media platforms, compelling them to proactively shield children from harmful content, including materials that could lead to sexual exploitation. Austin emphasised that the new legislation must incorporate stringent measures, such as an independent regulator with enforcement capabilities and comprehensive safety standards that encompass all digital platforms, including social media, gaming, and artificial intelligence.
Personal Stories Highlight the Urgency
Among the attendees was Diya Praveen, a 16-year-old high school student who shared her harrowing experience of being unknowingly drawn into harmful online environments. She recalled joining group chats that encouraged self-harm and hate speech during her early teenage years. “Many young people engage with these platforms, often without understanding the risks involved. This issue affects youth on a scale that we frequently overlook,” Praveen remarked.
The rally drew a diverse group of advocates, including children aged 10 to 16, who wore matching purple shirts emblazoned with the message, “Don’t delay. Protect kids today.” Participants held small hourglasses, a powerful symbol of the urgent need for timely legislative action to ensure online safety for all children.
Government’s Response and Future Considerations
Attendees also planned to discuss their concerns with the staff of Prime Minister Mark Carney and Canadian Identity and Culture Minister Marc Miller. Miller’s spokesperson, Hermine Landry, stated that the government is committed to acting quickly to enhance protections for Canadians, acknowledging the vital role that digital platforms play in safeguarding children.
However, frustration lingered among rally participants, particularly from parents like Carol Todd, whose daughter Amanda tragically took her own life in 2012 after enduring relentless cyberbullying. “Amanda was just a child who deserved protection, yet she faced exploitation and harassment. A decade later, children continue to suffer in the same ways,” Todd lamented.
Another voice of concern came from Jason Sokolowski, whose daughter Penelope was groomed and extorted on social media before her untimely death just shy of her 16th birthday. “It’s terrifying when your child reaches out for help but you’re left bewildered about how to assist them,” he expressed, highlighting the urgent need for a more responsive legislative framework.
The Broader Context of Online Safety
As Manitoba moves towards becoming the first province to implement a ban on youth access to social media and AI chatbots, the federal government is also considering measures aimed at limiting digital exposure for minors. Austin warned against potential delays that could arise from proposed age verification processes, stressing that protections should extend to all platforms where children could be at risk, including gaming. “While age restrictions are essential, we cannot afford to slow down this critical process,” she cautioned.
Why it Matters
The rally on Parliament Hill encapsulates a growing urgency among parents, advocates, and youth alike, highlighting the pressing need for comprehensive online safety legislation. With alarming statistics indicating a significant rise in child luring incidents—an increase of nearly 20 per cent from 2024 to 2025—there is an imperative for the government to act decisively. As digital spaces continue to evolve, so too must our legislative frameworks, ensuring that children can navigate the online world without fear of exploitation or harm. The voices raised at this rally echo a collective plea for action—one that resonates deeply within the communities affected by these pervasive issues.
