Social Media Access is Crucial for 2SLGBTQ+ Youth Support

As Nova Scotia and Quebec consider legislation to restrict social media access for children under 16, concerns are rising among 2SLGBTQ+ youth about the potential loss of vital online communities. Advocates and young people argue that such restrictions could significantly hinder their ability to connect with peers and access important resources for support and identity exploration.

London Clark, a queer youth from Vancouver, highlighted the importance of online spaces during a recent segment of the show Just Asking. “When I was younger, I went to social media to figure out stuff that I didn’t really understand about myself,” Clark said. “It was a place where I learned a lot about the queer community because I didn’t really have anyone else to talk about it with.”

This sentiment is echoed by a survey conducted by The Trevor Project in early 2024, which found that 68 percent of U.S. respondents aged 2SLGBTQ+ felt that the internet provided affirming spaces. Comparatively, only 40 percent felt supported at home, 52 percent at school, and just 20 percent in community events. The study included participants living in the U.S. from September 13 to December 16, 2023.

Importance of Online Spaces

Raine Hermosa, a first-year student at Simon Fraser University, emphasized that removing access to social media would take away crucial support networks for many youth. “I don’t think our in-person resources and infrastructure are up to par with the actual needs of queer youth in the community,” Hermosa stated. He pointed out that not every school has a queer-straight alliance, and many young people, especially those in rural areas, struggle to reach local queer community centers.

“You’re going to spend a lot more time online because it’s easier,” Hermosa noted. He acknowledged that while he has a supportive family, many young people do not. “There are parents that are more controlling where they can’t speak about their identity or their perspective at all — they’re almost silenced,” he added. Hermosa fears that cutting off access to online platforms could “almost silence them completely.”

Christopher Dietzel, an assistant professor at Concordia University who studies technology and gender, highlighted the critical role of digital spaces for today’s 2SLGBTQ+ generation. He explained that previous generations often faced dangerous environments when seeking community. “They had to go to bars and clubs and kind of hide underground,” Dietzel said. While acknowledging the risks associated with online spaces, he believes they offer greater safety and freedom for self-exploration than many traditional settings.

A Lifeline for Many

Omid Razavi, the executive director of It Gets Better Canada, characterized online communities as potentially “life-saving” for 2SLGBTQ+ youth. Many do not feel safe discussing their gender identity at home or school. “Having access to online communities is a newish way for youth to be able to understand how they’re feeling,” Razavi explained. He emphasized the importance of support systems that help young people realize that “ultimately, it does get better.”

For Jessica Winton, a 24-year-old master’s student in environmental sustainability at the University of Ottawa, the internet was a crucial resource during her formative years. Growing up in a non-affirming environment, Winton felt isolated and struggled with depression. She found connection on platforms like Discord and Twitch, where she could engage with others in the 2SLGBTQ+ community. “I think, had it not been for these online spaces, I would not have made it out of that time in my life,” Winton said. “Online spaces really provided me with a sense of community that I would not have been able to find through school or other things at the time.”

As regulators grapple with the complexities of managing social media access for young people, Razavi remarked that the path forward must prioritize safeguarding rather than restricting access. He urged that instead of banning social media, governments should strengthen protections against hate speech and targeted attacks. “It’s a matter of not removing access, but safeguarding access,” Razavi stated. Consulting with queer youth about their online experiences is essential to find balanced solutions.

Dietzel echoed this perspective, arguing that banning social media ignores the increasingly digital nature of today’s world. He pointed out that delaying access to technology without providing necessary education is impractical. “If we are delaying that process by saying you don’t get to access technology until later in life… I don’t think that is a reasonable or practical approach,” he said. To prepare young people for a digital future, they need the tools to navigate online spaces safely and responsibly.

If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available through various organizations. In Canada, Talk Suicide Canada offers a helpline at 1-833-456-4566 and text support at 45645 from 4 p.m. to midnight ET. Additional resources are provided by Kids Help Phone and the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention.