In a powerful display of concern for child safety online, a rally was held on Parliament Hill on Monday, where parents and young activists urged the federal government to swiftly reintroduce the Online Harms Bill, now proposed to be renamed the Online Safety Act. Organised by Children First Canada, the demonstration highlighted the pressing need for legislative measures to protect children from online predators and harmful content, a call echoed by numerous speakers, including the charity’s founder, Sara Austin.
A Call to Action
The rally gathered a diverse crowd of advocates, parents, and children aged 10 to 16, all donning matching purple shirts emblazoned with the slogan, “Don’t delay. Protect kids today.” The participants gathered near the iconic Centennial Flame, sharing poignant stories of their experiences with online dangers. Austin articulated a clear vision for the rebranded legislation, stressing that it should encompass a comprehensive duty of care for digital platforms to prevent foreseeable harm to minors.
“The focus on calling it the Online Safety Act is about unity. It encapsulates our shared goal: safeguarding our children,” Austin stated. The proposed legislation, known as Bill C-63, lapsed in January 2025 when Parliament was prorogued. Austin expressed optimism that the new government would act expeditiously to pass the revised bill.
Rising Incidents of Online Harm
Statistics reveal a troubling trend in the rise of online predation, with reported cases of child luring increasing nearly 20 per cent from 2024 to 2025, jumping from 2,882 to 3,456 incidents. This alarming data underscores the urgency behind the rally’s demands. Diya Praveen, a 16-year-old high school student present at the event, recounted her own experiences with dangerous online communities during her early teenage years.
“A lot of young people engage with these servers without realising the risks involved,” Praveen remarked. “It becomes a part of their routine or even an addiction, impacting youth deeply.” Her insights shed light on the pervasive nature of online dangers that many young individuals face today.
Legislative Discussions Underway
The rally also served as a platform for discussions with government representatives. Participants were set to meet with staff from Prime Minister Mark Carney’s office and Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture Marc Miller. According to Hermine Landry, a spokesperson for Miller, the government is committed to protecting Canadians, particularly children, as they navigate the increasingly complex digital landscape.
“We all want our children to be safe as they navigate the digital world, and platforms have an important role to play in meeting that challenge,” Landry said. The government’s intention to act swiftly is a promising sign, yet many attendees voiced frustrations over the pace of legislative change.
Personal Stories of Tragedy
The emotional weight of the rally was felt through the poignant testimonies of parents who had lost children to the perils of online harassment. Carol Todd, mother of Amanda Todd, a victim of cyberbullying who tragically died by suicide in 2012, expressed her ongoing frustration at the lack of progress in protective legislation.
“Amanda was a child. She should have been protected. Instead, she was exploited, harassed, and pushed to a breaking point in a digital world that failed her,” Todd lamented. Her words resonated with many in attendance, serving as a stark reminder of the stakes involved.
Jason Sokolowski, another grieving parent, shared his heart-wrenching experience of his daughter Penelope, who was groomed and extorted through social media. “It’s terrifying to witness your child cry out for help and not fully comprehend what they need,” Sokolowski said. “The frustration with a slow-moving government against rapidly evolving threats is palpable.”
Provincial Initiatives and Future Directions
As calls for new federal legislation intensify, Manitoba is already looking to become the first province to prohibit youth from accessing social media and artificial intelligence chatbots. The federal government is also exploring strategies to restrict digital access to safeguard children.
However, Austin cautioned against potential delays in implementing age verification processes, advocating for a comprehensive approach that includes age restrictions across all digital platforms. “While age restrictions are crucial, we must ensure that this does not slow down the legislative process,” she asserted.
Why it Matters
The rally at Parliament Hill signifies a crucial turning point in the national discourse surrounding online safety for children. As the digital landscape evolves, so too must our legislative frameworks. The stories shared by parents and youths alike expose the urgent need for comprehensive measures that hold digital platforms accountable for the safety of their youngest users. The push for the Online Safety Act could be a vital step towards creating a safer online environment, ensuring that no child has to face the threats of the internet alone. The time for action is now.