The Chinese-owned social media app TikTok may be banned from Ontario public schools, according to Minister of Education Stephen Lecce.
Lecce revealed the details on Friday, one day after the government moved to ban TikTok from Ontario government devices because of concerns that the social media app posed a threat to privacy.
“We obviously share a very profound concern about the privacy impacts for young people,” said Lecce. “This is a decision that we will communicate on.”
Lecce also told reporters the app has consequences for children beyond a potential data breach.
“I am concerned by what is happening in schools. Frankly both for the mental health and physical health of children.”
A December survey found many young Canadians believe excessive use of social media negatively impacts their mental health.
Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nunavut, and Northwest Territories have banned TikTok from government devices.
