Nicole Goehring of Edmonton-Castle Downs serves petition to protect kids online!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 26, 2025

Petition for Mandatory Social Media Education in Alberta Garners Over 400 Signatures in Less Than 48 Hours

Edmonton, Alberta — A grassroots petition calling for mandatory social media education to be embedded in Alberta’s elementary school curriculum has gained rapid public support, with only 5 DEFEND team members collecting more than 400 signatures across Calgary and Edmonton in a 48-hour blitz.

The petition was formally presented on November 26, 2025, in the Alberta Legislature by Nicole Goehring, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Edmonton–Castle Downs, during proceedings for the presentation of petitions.

The petition urges the Government of Alberta to introduce legislation requiring age-appropriate social media literacy education for all elementary students, with a focus on protecting children and vulnerable people online. Key concerns raised include online exploitation, misinformation, algorithmic manipulation, cyberbullying, and the long-term mental health impacts of unregulated digital environments. Kristy Fredrick heads the public efforts for DEFEND Nonprofit’s boots on the ground in Alberta and she’s glad there’s now movement here: 

“Albertans should recognize social media education as a core life skill, not an optional extra,” said Fredrick for DEFEND, the petition’s organizers. “Children are navigating powerful digital systems every day. Education is one of the most effective, evidence-based ways to reduce harm and build resilience.”

Supporters of the initiative emphasize that social media education should go beyond basic internet safety, equipping students with practical tools to understand:

• How platforms are designed to capture attention

   

• How misinformation and manipulation spread

   

• How to identify grooming, coercion, and unsafe interactions

   

• How to build healthy, responsible online habits

   

The petition reflects growing concern among parents, educators, and community advocates that existing curricula have not kept pace with the realities of modern digital life.

With the petition now officially tabled, organizers are calling on the provincial government to engage educators, child-protection experts, mental-health professionals, and digital safety advocates to develop a comprehensive, mandatory curriculum that supports students before harm occurs.