Premier Wab Kinew announced the first-in-Canada ban at a fundraiser on Saturday

Manitoba will ban youth from using social media and AI chatbots, Premier Wab Kinew announced on Saturday.

The proposed law protecting youth from the harmful effects of social media will be the first of its kind in Canada.

The premier said the platforms are intentionally designed to get people "addicted to the infinite scroll," contributing to mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

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While Canada's heritage minister has said the federal government is "very seriously" considering similar age restrictions, and lawmakers in other provinces are also pushing the idea, Kinew’s government is the first to lay out a plan.

The premier didn't say the age the province is considering for the ban, how it will be enforced, or a timeline for when it would be implemented. He didn't speak to reporters after his speech.

Manitoba's plan follows an Australian law requiring social media companies to take reasonable steps to prevent anyone under 16 from having an account or else face penalties. The world-first ban came into effect in December.