Young Canadians are picking up the phone on Parliament Hill, calling on federal leaders to pass the Safe Social Media Act, and inviting children across Canada to join them in calling on National Child Day.
OTTAWA, November 12, 2026 — The future is calling, and Canada’s children are asking Parliament to answer. On Tuesday Nov. 17, Children First Canada‘s (CFC) and kids from the Young Canadians’ Parliament will gather on Parliament Hill with a bright red rotary telephone and oversized handsets to call on Members of Parliament to strengthen and pass Bill C-34, the Safe Social Media Act. They’re also inviting children across Canada to join them in calling their MPs on Friday, Nov. 20, for National Child Day.
Canada’s 8 million children are one-quarter of our population and 100% of our future. They cannot vote, but they have rights, including the right to grow up safely in the digital world and the right to be heard. The event brings together young advocates, parents, child health experts and researchers to call for stronger protections for children growing up in the digital world.
Joining the press conference virtually from Newfoundland is Robyn Young, whose daughter Jorja died by suicide at age 17 on April 9, 2026, following years of online sexual exploitation and serious mental health struggles involving online communities promoting self-harm and eating disorders. Robyn is sharing her daughter’s story to honour her wish to “tell the world…so I can help someone,” and to advocate for protections that could help prevent similar tragedies.
The event marks one year since CFC launched its Countdown for Kids campaign for online safety legislation, five years (1,906 days) since the federal government pledged stronger online protections, and 14 years since Amanda Todd’s death following sextortion and cyberbullying. Just three days before National Child Day, children across Canada are being invited to call Parliament and demand action. Canada’s 8 million children can’t wait any longer.
The press conference will also highlight findings from Raising Canada 2026, CFC’s annual report on the state of childhood, which identifies online harms as the #1 threat to children in Canada for the first time. Police-reported online child sexual exploitation increased by 347% between 2014 and 2024, while online harms are compounding other threats to children’s mental health, safety, development and wellbeing.
Press Conference & Media Photo Opportunity
Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2026
9:00–9:30 a.m. ET | Press Conference
Location: Room 135-B, West Block, 111 Wellington Street, Ottawa, Ontario
Participation in the question and answer portion of this event is in person or via Zoom, and is for accredited members of the Press Gallery only. Media who are not members of the Press Gallery may contact pressres2@parl.gc.ca for temporary access.
9:45–11:00 a.m. ET | Youth-Led Media Activation & Media Interview Availability
Location: Centennial Flame, Parliament Hill, Ottawa
Immediately following the press conference, children and youth will gather at the Centennial Flame for The Future Is Calling, a colourful, youth-led activation featuring a bright red rotary telephone and oversized telephone handsets. Youth will take turns calling Members of Parliament, asking them to listen to Canada’s 8 million children and help protect childhood by passing Bill C-34: Safe Social Media Act.
The activation will launch a nationwide call to action encouraging children, parents and teachers to call their MPs on Friday, Nov. 20, National Child Day, to urge Parliament to strengthen and pass the Bill.
Speakers & Spokespeople
- Sara Austin, Founder and CEO, Children First Canada — introducing The Future Is Calling, the Countdown for Kids campaign, and CFC’s recommendations to Parliament.
- Zachary Fathally, 13, Young Canadians’ Parliament and Youth Advisory Council — A young person’s perspective on growing up digital and the right to be safe and heard.
- Aany Vital Ramos, 17, Young Canadians’ Parliament and Youth Advisory Council — A tribute to children whose lives have been lost or forever changed by online harms.
- Kristine Williamson, President and CEO, PolicyWise for Children & Families — Key findings from Raising Canada 2026, including how online harms affect childhood and compound other threats.
- Robyn Young, mother of Jorja — Sharing her daughter’s story and calling for stronger protections for children online. Participating virtually in the press conference from Newfoundland.
Additional children and youth will be available for interviews during the activation.
“Children have waited too long for meaningful protections online,” said Sara Austin, Founder and CEO of Children First Canada. “Every day of delay puts children at risk, and for some families, the consequences are irreversible. We’re here to ask Parliament to listen to children, and to act. We cannot give children back the years they’ve spent waiting, but we can give them a safer future.”
About Children First Canada
Children First Canada is a national charitable organization dedicated to making Canada the best place in the world for kids to grow up. Through research, advocacy and youth empowerment, CFC works to protect children’s rights and improve the lives of Canada’s 8 million children. Its flagship initiatives include Raising Canada, the annual report on the state of childhood, and the Young Canadians’ Parliament, which empowers children and youth to participate in decisions affecting their lives.
Media Inquiries & Interview Requests
Andrea Chrysanthou
Chair of the Board, Children First Canada
andrea@amplifyonline.ca
416-797-8194
childrenfirstcanada.org
thefutureiscalling.ca