Digital Wellness and Screen Time Balance
Dear Families and Caregivers,
Today, technology and more specifically screens are everywhere and are a part of most of our daily lives. As we continue to adjust to this new reality, there are opportunities to explore our relationships with our devices, how you can model a balanced relationship with them, and support your children in doing the same. This year, in alignment with the Ministry of Education’s School Board Policy on Enforcement of Restrictions to Student Mobile Personal Device Use, the Central Mental Health Team would like to draw your attention to the connection between screen-time and mental health.
We want to acknowledge that some screen time that is high quality, engaging and enriching may be beneficial for some youth. High quality screen time, such as an educational game online, can allow youth to connect with others, practice problem solving skills, access educational information, and do something fun. On the other hand, excessive amounts of screen time may negatively impact youth as it may prevent them from getting enough exercise, sleep, in-person social interaction, or time for homework. Excessive screen time, especially excessive passive screen time, such as scrolling on social media, may also negatively impact their mood . As caregivers, you are best equipped to know when your child is ready for access to a digital device, or when they may need assistance with managing their screen time. Supporting your child in learning how to co-regulate their use of technology, through setting boundaries and modeling balanced use yourself, can promote healthier screen habits.
We encourage you to check out this resource from School Mental Health Ontario to learn more about Helping your Child Manage Digital Technology.
Student Information and Resources
Consider joining us for one of our presentations at your School Council Forum. Area date and time
Join the Central Mental Health Team for our Learning About Mental Health Presentation Series (LAMPS) for Parents, where we will explore Social Media and Mental Health. This virtual session will explore how social media impacts youth mental health, along with strategies for fostering healthy online habits. More information on registration for this event will be released soon!
Supportive Resources
Mental Health Resources in York Region
The Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA) (905-781-6222)
NACCA is committed to the collective work of engaging the African Canadian communities and its allies through program delivery, education and partnerships, to cultivate an empowered and united Black community in Newmarket.
YorkHills Here to Help Line (905-503-9561)
The Here to Help Line is a free service available to children/youth (0-18 years) and their parents/caregiver/adult supporters.
Monday to Thursday from 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Family Services York Region (905-895-2371)
Virtual walk in is offered on a first come, first serve basis.
It can be accessed once per month. Virtual appointments can be 15 minutes to 1.5 hours long depending on needs.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
CMHA BounceBack Ontario
Do you feel that maybe you could benefit from some support? BounceBack® provides resources to support learning new skills, including a trained coach who can provide up to six telephone sessions.
BounceBack Coaching is available through the provincial Ontario Structured Psychotherapy program.
Offered to youth aged 15-17 and adults 18+.
YRDSB Mental Health Resource Page
Continue to check out the YRDSB website for updated information as well as the X account @YRDSB
Follow YRDSB Mental Health on Twitter @MH_YRDSB
Community Mental Health Events
Students
The Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA)
- T.E.A.C.H. Mental Health Workshop Series: The YSSI T.E.A.C.H. (Training, Empowerment, Advocacy, Counselling, Help) is an africentric program that offers education on mental health and well-being practices for Black children/youth. The eight-week workshop series is on mental health for Black children/youth in grades 6-8.
- Registration: T.E.A.C.H. Mental Health Workshop Series
York Services Support Network
Kerry's Place Autism Services
Caregivers
Yorkhills Centre for Children, Youth and Families
- Wed, Nov 6th, 2024 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Consciously Parenting our Teens
- Wed, Nov 20, 2024 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM Parenting a Child with Attention Deficit Disorder
- Wed, Nov 27, 2024 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Understanding and Managing Challenging Behaviors
Family Services York Region
- Free To Be
- Third Wednesday of Each Month, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
- This is a free virtual group for parents/caregivers of gender diverse children, regardless of age which meets once a month. The goal of this program is to destigmatize gender diversity
Kinark Autism Services
PFlag
- Coffee Night, held every second Monday of the month, is a safe space where members of the LGBTQ2 community, their friends, family or allies can come together.
- Online Registration
This edition of the newsletter was written by the Student Mental Health and Addictions Strategy Implementation Team 2024-2025, inclusive of YRDSB School Social Workers Ruth Damdar, Peter Reid and Kymani Spence.
Patricia Marra-Stapleton, M.Sc., C. Psych. Assoc.
Mental Health Lead
Paula Vicente M.S.W., R.S.W.
Assistant Coordinator of Mental Health
Kate Phillips M.S.W., R.S.W.
Assistant Coordinator of Mental Health
