A national Day of Action led by children, youth and parents calls on Parliament to urgently pass the Online Safety Act
OTTAWA, ON — April 27, 2026 — On Monday, April 27, children and youth from across Canada will descend on Parliament Hill alongside their parents, educators, and allies to deliver a clear and urgent message to federal leaders: time is up on online harms—stop the delay, protect kids today.
After waiting nearly 1,700 days for promised online safety legislation, young people are stepping forward to call for immediate action to protect children from online harms.
The national Day of Action is the culmination of the Countdown for Kids campaign, led by Children First Canada with the support of a powerful alliance of children’s hospitals, the Canadian Medical Association, technology and mental health experts, educators, and most importantly, children, youth and parents. Throughout April, children and youth have participated in a Digital Citizens Bootcamp through the Young Canadians’ Parliament, learning about online harms and how to use their voices to advocate for a safer digital world.
Media Opportunities
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Press Conference and Rally at the Centennial Flame, Parliament Hill
A powerful visual demonstration featuring children holding hourglasses symbolizing that time has run out. They will be joined by parents, including those whose children have been harmed or died due to online harms.
2:00 PM | Question Period, House of Commons
Children and parents will be present in the House and recognized by Members of Parliament, delivering their message directly to key decision makers and calling for unanimous support to protect kids online.
Throughout the day, children and youth will meet with Ministers and MPs, delivering hourglasses and personal letters written by hundreds of school children. Beyond Parliament Hill, children, parents and Canadians from coast to coast to coast are also rallying online, calling on our leaders to take action.
Voices from the Movement
Sara Austin, Founder & CEO, Children First Canada
“If there is one thing that Members of Parliament should agree on, it’s that protecting children from online harms is a priority. Every day that Parliament delays, kids are bullied, lured, and exploited on social media, gaming apps, and AI chatbots, often with devastating consequences. Children and parents have waited too long, and they cannot carry this burden alone. They are coming to Parliament Hill to say what every Canadian should be saying: time is up.”
Carol Todd, mother of Amanda Todd
“My daughter Amanda was failed by a system that did not protect her. No family should have to live with that kind of loss. We know what needs to be done. We just need Parliamentarians to have the courage to do it. This is about protecting children before it’s too late.”
Farah Nasser, journalist and parent
“As a parent, I’ve seen firsthand how harmful online content can reach children, quickly, quietly, and without warning. Not just on their phones or laptops, but also in places as innocuous as their family car. We cannot keep placing this burden on parents, or trust that tech companies will do the right thing. The platforms our children are using have proven to be harmful, and it’s time to hold them accountable.”
Jason Sokolowski, father of Penelope, who died in 2025 in connection with 764 (terrorist network)
“They (764) are grooming and teaching children how to do as much chaos and damage within their home and their community, before they ultimately do an act of violence on themselves or someone else. We don’t let kids drive cars, use guns, or drink alcohol. Social media is turning out to be just as dangerous.”
Zachary, age 12, Young Canadians’ Parliament
“The government promised to protect us when I was eight years old. I’m twelve now. That’s a quarter of my life spent waiting. Kids are being hurt while adults delay. We need action now.”
Diya, age 16, youth advocate
“We are the generation growing up online, but we have no say in the rules that shape our lives. We’re asking for protection, and we deserve to be part of the solution.”
The Call to Action
Participants are calling on the federal government to immediately table and pass the Online Safety Act, with key measures including:
- A duty of care requiring platforms to prevent foreseeable harm
- Safety by design, especially for children and youth
- A strong, independent regulator with enforcement powers
- Coverage across the full digital ecosystem, including social media, gaming, and AI
Media Availability
Children First Canada can facilitate interviews with:
- Sara Austin, Founder & CEO
- Parents and caregivers, including Farah Nasser
- Parents who have lost children due to online harms, including Carol Todd and James Sokolowski
- Children and youth from across Canada
About Children First Canada
Children First Canada is a national charity with a bold vision to make Canada the best place in the world for kids to grow up. Through research, advocacy, and youth empowerment, CFC works to ensure that children are seen, heard, and protected.
Media contact:
Andrea Chrysanthou
Email: andrea@amplifyonline.ca
Phone: 416-797-8194