Rethinking Childhood in the Digital Age: Why Delaying Smartphones Matters

Join Unplugged Canada and The Institute of Child Psychology for an eye-opening session on the risks of introducing smartphones to children at a young age. We’ll explore the four foundational harms outlined by Jonathan Haidt in The Anxious Generation, along with other pressing concerns such as sextortion, AI chatbot exposure, and the loss of real-world opportunities. This session will also introduce Unplugged Canada — a grassroots, nationwide movement dedicated to raising awareness about these digital harms. Learn how the Unplugged Canada Pledge is helping parents and educators build supportive communities committed to delaying smartphones and social media, and bringing childhood back to play, connection, and healthy development.