As both a parent and an educator, I have witnessed firsthand the growing dependence on technology in elementary schools and the impact it has on children's mental health. With the increasing accessibility of social media platforms, YouTube, and other online content, children are often exposed to inappropriate material and online predators. According to The Guardian, an investigation revealed that online grooming crimes have risen by 264% over the past three years, endangering children who are most vulnerable when unsupervised online.

Since bringing this topic up on my own social media outlets, I've been contacted by many parents, educators and concerned relatives, asking what we can do or how we can make a change. To be honest, this is completely new to me, advocating for a cause at this level; reaching out to our MPP, Ministry of Education, DDSB Board, and so on. I'm open to any ideas, suggestions or advice from anyone that may have a better grasp on this type of motion as I'm sure I'll make mistakes along the way, but I'm hoping not many... 

Who knows if this will make the changes I'm hoping to see, but I do know that if I don't try to make a change - to take action, I can't say, "I'd do anything to protect my kids!", can I? So, this is my attempt to reach more voices, more support. If you feel so inclined, I'd love for your signature on the petition and for you to SHARE it as well. If you don't agree, that's okay too! We're all entitled to our own opinions and family values; however, our children deserve a safe learning environment, no matter what our individual perspective may be. 

Back to the issue... 

In addition to safety concerns, excessive screen time has been linked to various mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and decreased attention spans. A report from the American Psychological Association found that children and adolescents spending more than three hours daily on digital devices are 35% more likely to have suicidal thoughts. 

Schools should be safe havens for children to explore, learn, and grow without the overwhelming presence of digital technology. It shouldn't be a place feeding stories about a possessed grandparent a child is being instructed to kill on YouTube in a Short, "Something's wrong with Grandma!" (Yes, this happened to my grade 5 child at school), witnessing disturbing violent acts or sexualized topics. I propose a reduction in tech use in schools to foster more hands-on, interactive learning experiences that encourage social interactions and critical thinking. Limiting tech use can enhance creativity and provide opportunities for physical play and face-to-face communication, essential for healthy development.

By signing this petition, you are urging the District School Board and the Ministry of Education to implement policies that cap the use of technology in elementary and secondary schools. This includes restricting students' access to social media and online content during school hours and increasing outdoor and physical activities. Let us protect our children's well-being and ensure a balanced, safe environment conducive to their development. 

Please sign & share this petition today to advocate for these important changes that will benefit our children's mental and physical health for years to come.

*To clarify, I’m not against technology. I strongly support its use to enhance learning, communication, and access—especially for students with special needs. My son’s IEP, for example, identifies technology as a support he requires.

My concern is not the use of technology itself, but how it’s being used—what he has access to, how often he’s using it, and whether it aligns with his specific needs.

As an educator, I too incorporate technology when it meaningfully supports curriculum goals. I’m not advocating for zero tech, but for intentional use—teaching foundational digital skills like typing, digital literacy, and evaluating reliable sources. The difference is that EDUCATORS should be the ones purposefully selecting tools to support clear learning outcomes, and that intentionality seems to be lacking right now.