Events & Media
Stay tuned – Events That Bring Us Back to What Matters
At Unplugged Canada, we are creating experiences that reconnect us — to nature, to ourselves, and to each other. From outdoor gatherings to hands-on workshops and community dialogues, something meaningful is always on the horizon.
Stay tuned for upcoming events that inspire presence, purpose, and connection.
Our Newsletters
Media
Unplugged Canada official launch
To build on the groundswell of support we received, Unplugged Canada hosted an in-person speaker session for Vancouver families. It took place on Saturday September 14th, 2024 from 4:30pm until 6:30pm PST at the Kay Meek Arts Centre in West Vancouver, BC.
Our panel of experts led discussions and offered practical advice on how to approach this topic with your children and other community members.
Our special guest was Brooke Shannon, Founder of “Wait Until 8th” in the USA.
Other guests included:
- Carol Todd, who has impacted the world as an educator, an advocate, and a leader for social action in speaking openly about the bullying, cyberbullying, exploitation, and the mental health challenges that Amanda, her daughter, went through.
- Sharon Selby – a Registered Clinical Counsellor
- Grace Yu – a pediatrician in British Columbia
- Margot Denomme – former Crown Attorney and founder of RAAD (“Raising Awareness about Digital Dangers”).
CBC News – Edmonton
September 21st, 2024
Canadian parents are pledging to delay getting their kids smartphones
In this interview with Emily William, a reporter at CBC, Unplugged Canada—an initiative inspired by the U.S. Wait Until 8th program—urged parents to delay giving their children smartphones until age 14. The movement highlights concerns about the connection between early smartphone use and mental health issues in adolescents, including increased anxiety and depression, as explored in Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation. By postponing smartphone access, the initiative aimed to foster healthier childhood development and minimize exposure to online risks.
Columnists from CBC Radio
September 25th, 2024
Who’s taking the smartphone pledge?
CBC’s Blair Sanderson explored what motivated parents to sign up for the initiative, which aims to promote healthier childhood development and reduce the risks associated with early smartphone use.
CBC Nova Scotia
December 11th, 2024
Campaign urges parents to delay smartphones
Our Unplugged Canada Nova Scotia chapter was interviewed by CBC News to raise awareness and help create a collective action movement to empower parents to delay smartphones.
CBC Maritime Connection
December 15th, 2024
When did you give your child a smart phone? and why?
Discussion with Preston Mulligan on the Sunday’s Maritime Connection about delaying smartphones and Unplugged Canada’s mission to unite parents.
CBC Evening News Nova Scotia
January 16, 2025
Aly Thomson speaks with Jenna Poste, a co-founder of the NS Chapter of Unplugged Canada advocating for parents to delay giving their kids smartphones till highschool. Simon Sherry and author Jonathan Haidt weigh in on the psychological impacts these devices and social media have on children.
Experts, advocates make case for smartphone-free childhood
Jenna Poste from Unplugged Canada stresses the importance of reevaluating societal norms that prioritize early smartphone use for children. She raises concerns about mental health issues and social media addiction, supported by research findings. Jenna advocates for delaying smartphone access until high school to foster healthier development. While recognizing technology’s benefits, she advocates for cautious use, including parental controls and managing screen time effectively.
Global News Morning
January 17, 2025
Paul Brothers speaks with Jenna Poste from the NS Chapter of Unplugged Canada who urges parents to pledge to delay giving their kids smartphones until High School. Paul speaks to Jenna about the incredible response to their January 16th event and how parents can navigate this.
St. Albert Gazette
January 20, 2025
Get smart about kids and smartphones
A free talk held at Sturgeon Heights School on January 23, 2025, focused on the impact of smartphones on children’s health. Organized by Unplugged St. Albert and the Sturgeon Heights School Council, the event featured experts discussing the risks of early smartphone use. Research linked excessive smartphone use to anxiety, depression, and addiction-like behaviors. Psychologist Tania Johnson recommended parents guide their children in using smartphones responsibly, setting limits on usage, and opting for less addictive alternatives like smartwatches. The session aimed to help parents avoid pressure to give smartphones to young children.
Global News Hour at 6 – Edmonton
January 24, 2025
Parents explore online safety in St. Albert town hall
At a town hall in St. Albert on January 23, 2025, over 60 parents gathered to discuss online safety, screen time, and the challenges posed by algorithms. The event highlighted the importance of delaying children’s access to smartphones and social media, with “Unplugged Canada” urging parents to make pledges in support of this cause. The discussion also touched on the stalled Bill C-63, the Online Harms Act, which aimed to regulate harmful online content and improve protections for children but will not move forward due to the prorogation of Parliament.
Global News Morning Edmonton
January 27, 2025
Kirsten Sweet and Katryna Forsch from Unplugged Canada recently spoke with Global News Morning Edmonton about their advocacy to delay smartphone use for kids until high school. They discussed youth and technology, weighing the benefits and drawbacks of children having phones and accessing social media.
Newstalk 610 CKTB
January 27, 2025
Josette Calleja, Parent Coach and Ambassador for Unplugged Canada, shared with the audience Unplugged Canada’s mission and emphasized the importance of limiting smartphone use for kids until high school.
Pique NewsMagazine
February 26, 2025
Whistlerite’s Unplugged Canada takes collective approach to curbing kids’ smartphone use
Whistler’s Jenny Perez, founder of Unplugged Canada, had an interview with Pique Newsmagazine to discuss her initiative to delay smartphone use for children until at least age 14. Perez was inspired by her own experiences witnessing addiction and concerns about children’s overuse of technology. The non-profit encourages parents to sign a pledge, which is activated when five families in a child’s grade sign on. Unplugged Canada aims to raise awareness of the negative impacts of smartphones on mental health and cognitive development, while fostering a community of parents who share similar values. The organization also advocates for better online safety regulations for kids at the government level.
VISST (Vancouver Independent Sschool for Science and Technology)
March 12, 2025
In their last blog post, VISST, a not-for-profit high school in Vancouver established in 2022, shared how their commitment to developing strong, STEM-literate, and compassionate leaders aligns with Unplugged Canada’s mission. Starting in the 2024–2025 school year, VISST implemented a full phone ban. Students leave their phones in the school’s “phone hotel” at the start of the day and pick them up at the end. The results have been overwhelmingly positive—new Grade 8 students have formed friendships more quickly, lunchtimes are filled with board games and meaningful conversations, and teachers can focus on teaching without having to manage phone use. This small change has had a big impact, creating a more connected and healthier school environment, in line with Unplugged Canada’s goals.
Global News Morning Halifax
April 7, 2025
Jenna Poste, a co-founder of Unplugged Canada’s Nova Scotia chapter, was featured recently in a Global TV interview to discuss the group’s Call to Action during the federal election campaign. She also highlighted their upcoming April 24 event, which will delve into how smartphone use impacts boys and girls differently.
Ottawa Citizen news
May 2, 2025
Ottawa parents and child health advocates Robyn Aaron and Alex Munter are urging families to delay giving smartphones to children until at least age 14. Backed by research linking early smartphone use to mental health issues, they support the Unplugged Canada Campaign, which aims to shift social norms around tech use in childhood. Aaron, a social worker specializing in early mental health, and Munter, CEO of the Canadian Medical Association, emphasize that delaying smartphones can protect kids from harmful online content while encouraging real-world connection and healthy development.
CBC Radio
May 6, 2025
Unplugged Canada is a national campaign to raise awareness about the risks of early smartphone use.
Jennifer Gill, the leader of P.E.I.’s chapter of Unplugged Canada, tells CBC Radio why she’s concerned about the risks smartphones pose to children.
CBC Radio
May 7, 2025
All in a Day with Alan Neal – link
CBC Radio’s All In A Day is Ottawa’s top afternoon drive program, hosted by Alan Neal and broadcast across Eastern Ontario and West Quebec.
In a recent segment, Ottawa parents Alex Munter and Robyn Aaron shared why they support delaying smartphone access for children until age 14. They discussed how this delay could help protect kids from the harmful effects of social media and the internet, and urged other parents to consider similar action for their children’s well-being.
Beach Metro Community News
May 8, 2025
Adam Beck Junior Public School in East Toronto has become a leader in the Unplugged Canada campaign, with over 110 families pledging to delay giving their children smartphones until at least age 14.
Spearheaded by parent Rebecca Snow, the initiative aims to combat the mental health risks linked to early smartphone use. This movement is part of a broader international effort, including campaigns like Wait Until 8th in the U.S., to protect children from the harmful effects of digital technology.
CBC Radio
May 20, 2025
Information Morning – NS with Portia Clark – link
On CBC Information Morning – Mainland Nova Scotia, host Portia Clark spoke with Stephanie Mahoney, co-founder of the Nova Scotia chapter of Unplugged Canada. They discussed the unique challenges neurodivergent children face when navigating smartphones and social media.
The Epoch Times
May 30, 2025
Thousands of Canadian Parents Take Up Pledge to Delay Kids’ Smartphone Use – link
Over 3,000 Canadian parents signed a pledge from Unplugged Canada to delay giving smartphones to their children until age 14. The initiative, launched in September 2024 by Jenny Perez, aimed to protect youth mental health and build supportive communities for parents making this choice.
Backed by research linking early smartphone use to anxiety, depression, and reduced academic performance, the pledge gained the most support in Ontario. Unplugged Canada also launched a “Call to Action” urging the federal government to raise the age of social media access to 16 and enforce stricter age verification measures.
Past Events
Unplugged Canada Webinar
November 27th, 2024
Unplugged Canada hosted an awareness webinar on November 27th, 2024, featuring guest speaker Tania Johnson, Co-founder of the Institute of Child Psychology. Our webinars aim to empower parents with insights and information, enabling them to make informed choices.
Nurturing Childhood in the Smartphone Era – Nova Scotia
January 16th, 2025
The event focused on addressing the challenges parents face in managing their children’s relationship with technology in today’s smartphone era. Attendees learned about the latest research regarding the impact of devices like smartphones and social media on children’s development. Strategies were discussed to delay smartphone usage to promote children’s mental well-being, and methods to achieve a healthy balance between technology and real-life experiences were shared.
Participants had the opportunity to connect with other parents in the community and collectively navigate these important issues.
A Smartphone-fee Childhood Parent Session – St. Albert
January 23rd, 2025
The St. Albert Chapter of Unplugged Canada hosted an informative session for parents featuring Tania Johnson, co-founder of the Institute of Child Psychology, and local experts.
During the session:
- The latest research on the risks of early smartphone and social media use was reviewed.
- Local trends in youth social media behavior were discussed.
- The impact of smartphones on student learning and career readiness was explored.
Unplugged St. Albert provided resources and introduced the Unplugged Canada Pledge, emphasizing its role in connecting families who opt to delay smartphone and social media use. This initiative aims to build a supportive local community focused on promoting healthy technology habits among children.
The Ugly Truths of Smartphones –
January 30, 2025
ICP Co-Founder, Tania Johnson, spoke with Ambassadors from Unplugged Canada, whose mission is to unplug smartphones, rekindle real-life connections, and guide children towards a life filled with the warmth of human relationships and the beauty of the natural world.
Ambassadors Dr. Grace Yu, Kristen Sweet, and Josette Calleja joined us to discuss several case studies that showcased real-life stories of the dangers. They also shared how their practices had changed in recent years due to technology and social media overuse.
In addition, we talked about Unplugged Canada and how an online pledge could shift the culture from a phone-based childhood back to one of connection to the real world and each other.
Screen-Wise Families: What’s Your Family’s Tech Policy? – Toronto, Ontario
February 6, 2025
The session focused on helping parents make informed decisions about technology in their homes based on their family values.
Speakers:
Katy Albert, M.Ed, Registered Behaviour Analyst, OCT
Casper Jones, Technology Consultant.
It was a fantastic opportunity to learn practical tips for managing screen time, online safety, and more, all while aligning with family priorities.
Online Safety: Presented by the RCMP Nova Scotia
February 27, 2025 @ 6.30 pm (AST)
The Nova Scotia Chapter of Unplugged Canada put on a free event for parents and caregivers focusing on online safety, held in the Canada Games Centre Boardroom.
Presented by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Community Action Response Team, attendees learned about the importance of keeping children safe online. Topics covered included cyberbullying, sextortion, sharing intimate images, child luring, Cybertip.ca, and Project Arachnid
.
Unplugged St. Albert Parent Session
Thursday, April 10th 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm (MT)
Location:École Secondaire Sainte Marguerite d’Youville
Attendees joined us for an engaging discussion on the latest research regarding the risks of early exposure to smartphones, emerging local trends on social media platforms, and how the Unplugged Pledge can positively impact efforts to restore a smartphone-free childhood for children and young teens.
Speakers included:
Tania Johnson, Registered Psychologist, Registered Play Therapist, and Co-founder of the Institute of Child Psychology
Natasha Pearson, Educator in St. Albert for 17 years
Unplugged Canada, St. Albert: A Smartphone-Free Childhood Community Organization
The Smartphone Effect: How Boys and Girls Are Impacted Differently
Thursday, April 24th 6:30 pm (ADT)
Location: Canada Games Centre Boardroom (Halifax, NS) – Virtual Option Available
Parents and caregivers gathered at the Canada Games Centre Boardroom for an insightful session on how smartphones and social media affect boys and girls in distinct ways.
Key topics included:
Girls: The rise in anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues fueled by social comparison and cyberbullying
Boys: Increasing disengagement associated with gaming, online extremism, and other digital distractions
Practical Tips: Tools and strategies for parents to help create a healthier balance between screen time and real-life experiences
Participants also learned about Unplugged Canada’s mission and how delaying smartphone use can help protect children’s mental health. The event provided a valuable opportunity to connect with other parents and explore strategies for navigating today’s digital challenges.
Unplugged Ottawa: Understanding Problematic Social Media Use
Wednesday, May 7th, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm (EDT)
We explored the impact of social media on mental health with guest speaker Holly Shannon, a PhD student in Neuroscience at Carleton University. Holly delved into the science behind problematic social media use, its effects on the brain, and how it compares to other addictive behaviors. She also shared evidence-based tips to help distinguish between healthy and harmful use.
Thank you for joining Unplugged Ottawa for their successful launch event!
Unplugged Nova Scotia: Nurturing Childhood in the Smartphone Era – delaying smartphone use for your children
Wednesday, May 14th at 6:30 pm (EST)
On May 14, Unplugged Canada NS hosted a meaningful in-person session at the Kings County Family Resource Centre, bringing together parents from across the region for an engaging and thoughtful conversation.
During this special event, families were introduced to Unplugged, an innovative and empowering approach to parenting in today’s digital world. The session explored the benefits of delaying smartphone use among children and provided tools and guidance for navigating technology with greater awareness and intention.
Parents shared insights, asked questions, and connected with others who are also committed to fostering healthier digital habits within their families.
Unplugged Nova Scotia: Smartphones and Neurodiversity
Thursday, May 22nd at 6:30 pm (EST)
Unplugged Canada Nova Scotia Chapter organized an informative session to explore the significant impact of smartphones on neurodiverse individuals compared to neurotypical brains, with a focus on ADHD and Autism.
They discussed:
- How smartphones profoundly affected neurodiverse youth compared to their neurotypical peers
- Insights from expert research on the effects and implications of smartphones on neurodiverse brains
- Practical strategies that empowered you as a parent and helped protect your child’s mental health and well-being
Unplugged St. Albert Parent Session
Thursday, May 29th, at 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm (MT)
Wildrose School Council hosted an informative session in collaboration with the St. Albert chapter of Unplugged Canada.
The event covered recent research on the risks of early smartphone exposure, emerging local social media trends, and the positive impact of the Unplugged Pledge in promoting a smartphone-free childhood for children and young teens.
Speakers included Tania Johnson (Registered Psychologist and Co-founder of the Institute of Child Psychology), Natasha Pearson (longtime St. Albert educator), and Rachel Glendenning (RCMP Constable in St. Albert), alongside representatives from Unplugged Canada.
Unplugged Nova Scotia Chapter: Nurturing Childhood in the Smartphone Era
Wednesday, June 11th, at 6:00 pm – 8:oo pm (ADT)
Lawrence Consolidated School hosted an informative session focused on nurturing childhood in the smartphone era. During this session, participants learned about the latest research on the impact of devices, including smartphones and social media, on children’s development. The event explored how delaying smartphone use could protect children’s mental health and shared strategies for creating a healthy balance between technology and real-life experiences.
