John English JMS School Council’s new Digital Wellness subcommittee intends to raise awareness about the impact of technology on students’ learning and development and share manageable strategies to manage the influx of technology demands.

Digital Wellness Speaker Series:

September 16, 2026 @7:30pm: Back to School With Unplugged Canada and Dr. Alison Yeung

Join Unplugged Canada and Dr. Alison Yeung, Family Physician, for a free webinar. This session is for parents and caregivers looking for clear, credible information on the impacts of smartphones and social media on kids — and why so many doctors and psychologists recommend delaying. We’ll cover: – The research on smartphones, social media, and youth mental health – Why delaying together changes the norm – Unplugged Canada resources and programs to support your community The talk runs 75 minutes, with an optional 15-minute live Q&A at the end for anyone who’d like to stay and ask questions. Whether you’ve already made the decision to delay, you’re weighing it, or you’re just curious about the research and Unplugged Canada’s approach, this session is for you.

December 2026: Unplugged Canada member

January 26, 2027 @6pm: Mark your calendars! Paul Davis will present about Social Media, Online Safety, Cyberbullying, AI & Privacy at John English on Tuesday, January 26, 2027.

He will present to students in Junior Division and then Intermediate Division during the day, followed by a presentation to parents/caregivers @6pm in person.

RESOURCES

Unplugged Canada : Unplugged Canada is a grassroots movement led by parent volunteers across the country. We believe childhood should be a time for curiosity, movement, creativity, and real-life connection.

Through advocacy, resources, and our online Pledge, we help families delay smartphones until at least 14. Together, we’re changing the norm so no family has to do it alone.

We’re also calling on Parliament to pass Bill C-34 and set a social media age minimum of 16 in Canada.