Mr. Prime Minister François Legault,
To be honest, banning the use of social networks before the age of 16 is a bit nonsense. Meta does not allow under-13s to register on its platforms. For little ones, there’s even a separate version of Facebook, where loved ones can watch what they’re doing.
My parents always tell me to triple check if what I read on the internet is true. For example, there was this publication which talked about the closure of certain Desjardins funds on Patriots’ Day. At first everyone thought it was a joke, but no, it was real.
Your first reaction was to rage at X. When it was trendy to let go of TikTok, you were one of those who followed the movement, but it didn’t last long. You ended up using it to reach young people.
While the truckers were blocking the city of Ottawa, we had maximum information and fake news everywhere, on TV, in newspapers and on the radio. There were experts who criticized the health measures, and others who explained why it was crucial. We saw your press conferences on all the channels, but also on Facebook.
And who wants this law? Young caquistes who stress about the future. We need to think, but not just between adults. Quebecers aged 13 to 25, we also have our say.
In class, OK, no cell phone to go on Instagram, but it can be useful for work. There are plenty of books online, it’s easier to find information. To compose this letter, I had to do some research.
Before, you would sneak words in class. My parents told me how they asked to go out with someone by writing on a piece of cardboard. Today, we do the same, but on Instagram. Times change, but actions remain the same.
It is not by taking away our rights that we will solve the problems. After three years of nightmares, we need to express ourselves, to make up for lost time. Basically, social networks are the basis of our society. This is where we communicate, where we get information, where we have fun. Rather than establishing a ban, we must educate young people and parents. Teach us to be critical, to check our sources, to navigate intelligently.
So, Mr Prime Minister, don’t take us back with censorship. Together, we can find solutions that would promote education, freedom of expression and good manners.