Quebec’s special commission on the effects of screen time and social media addiction among youth made a stop at Westmount High School this week and spoke directly to students about their habits and concerns.

“In the halls, I can’t really see people, but I know some people are super addicted to their phones and they kind of always have to reach for that phone,” said Luc Bisaillon, a student at Westmount High.

In June, Quebec created a special commission to focus on the effects that screens and social networks have on young people.

“You ask the kids how many hours a day you think you’re on your phone. They’ll go to two, two and a half. Then you say now add the screens and some of them, it goes up to nine, 10 hours “, says Enrico Ciccone, Vice-President of the Commission.

Bisaillon and Zoe Lam were part of a group of students who answered questions from the MNAs.

“I didn’t realize how, like, dependent on my phone I was. I probably took my phone too often, and I rely on my phone a lot. Like, if I don’t have my phone on me, it’s kind of like panic,” Lam explained.

A number of studies indicate that screen time and social media can have harmful effects on young people’s health. But students say it’s not easy to stay away from a screen when everything is online.

“School is online. Like all your assignments are online. Social life is online, like contacting your friends. So I could be doing anything, but it usually ends up being on my phone,” Lam said.

But even students agree that something must be done.

“I think there should be tighter restrictions on people, I don’t know, younger than 13 using social media,” said Lucy Merchan, another student at the high school.

The commission points out the crucial role a parent plays not only in limiting screen time for their children but also in setting the right example.

“We would ask the students; do you think your parents spend too much time on their screens? And they said, sometimes, ‘I try to get my parents’ attention, but I can’t because they’re on the phone, they’re scrolling or whatever.’ , said Commissioner Elisabeth Prass.

The Commission’s consultation will continue. It is unclear what their recommendations will lead to, but a final report is expected by the end of May 2025.