Achi news desk-
Quebec City –
Quebec Premier François Lego is calling on parents to “collaborate” in “limiting” young people’s screen time.
At a press conference in the National Assembly on Tuesday, LeGoult declined to say whether he would use the legislation to reduce young people’s exposure to screens, preferring instead to talk about the role of parents.
“The real challenge is what happens at home,” he said. “We also need the cooperation of the parents to ensure that screen time is limited.”
A day earlier, in Montreal, Social Services Minister Lionel Clement did not rule out legislation for the use of screens for young people and families.
Clement announced that the government will soon begin considering Quebec’s second strategy on the use of screens and the health of young people.
“We want a version that is very adapted to the reality of Quebec,” he said. “I’m telling you now, nothing is off the table. If we have to legislate, we will legislate.”
He did not provide further details about possible legislation but emphasized that “it’s all a question of balancing between raising public awareness and properly developing the digital skills of young people.”
On Tuesday, Legault acknowledged that overexposure of young people to screens “is a problem, it’s a problem all over the world.” He noted that his government has already banned the use of cell phones in the classroom, with a few exceptions, and has banned screens in daycare centers for children under the age of two.
During its first mandate, the Legault government also held a consultation on the use of screens and the health of young people.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on April 9, 2024.
