Your social media ban is a hard sell for our kids.
Morning from the Valley — here's what's growing in Winkler-Morden. You know, Premier Kinew's idea to ban social media and AI chatbots for youth across Manitoba? Our kids here in the Pembina Valley have some thoughts, and honestly, they're pretty insightful. It's not just a "kids want their TikTok" situation; they're making a case for why an outright ban might not be the smartest move.
### What Our Kids Are Saying
When you talk to young people here – the ones who volunteer at the Corn and Apple Festival, or work their first jobs at Decor Cabinets – they’re not just mindlessly scrolling. They use these platforms to connect, to learn, and sometimes, yes, to unwind.
* They see it as a valuable tool for school projects and connecting with friends far away.
* Some mentioned the risk of pushing conversations underground, making it harder for parents and educators to monitor.
* There's a real sense that "not everything deserves to be banned," especially when these platforms are so integrated into their daily lives and learning.
It's a nuanced take, really. They're not dismissing the concerns about mental health or screen time, but they're asking for solutions that aren't just a blanket "no." For a region like ours that prides itself on innovation and forward-thinking, especially with how we integrate newcomers through technology, it's a conversation worth having. We've got kids here whose families moved from across the globe, and social media is often how they maintain connections and learn about their new home. You think the Stanley Agricultural Society or Winkler Bible Camp could reach as many young volunteers without it? Our growth relies on connection, and sometimes that's digital.
Corinne Dueck, MiTL Sports Desk.
The morning crew always has the best insights on this – catch them live at mornings.live.