The majority of households who responded to the government's survey supported limiting social media for children and teenagers younger than 16, the province said.

Meta agreed to implement new rules for kids who use their platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, as part of a nearly US$18-billion settlement with U.S. states this week.

The settlement was reached during a California federal trial, averting one of the highest-profile tests yet of allegations that social media companies harmed young users.

Opening statements started Tuesday in a pivotal trial for Meta Platforms as states seek billions of dollars in damages for social media harms to children.

Government officials are aiming to use the ban as an incentive for platforms to improve their designs and better protect children long-term, if and when those kids return.

The Safe Social Media Act aims to create a 'duty to protect children' for all online platforms, requiring social media and AI chatbots to incorporate age-appropriate measures.

Several provinces that have previously indicated interest in social media bans say they'll be watching to see how the federal government will roll its plan out.

The proposed social media ban for youth under 16 would mirror action first taken in Australia, where the measure took effect last December.

The group representing physicians in Manitoba is adding its voice to support the province's proposed plan to ban social media and artificial intelligence chatbots for youth.

Social media companies including Meta have settled the first of many lawsuits brought by hundreds of school districts alleging social media harms children's mental health.