FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, March 2, 2026 |10:00 a.m. | Windsor-Essex County
Students in Grades 6 to 12 are invited to learn how digital technology affects their well-being and how to use screens and technology in a balanced way.
As technology continues to shape how we live, learn, and connect, concerns are growing over the impact of too much screen time on young people’s mental, physical, and emotional well-being. In response, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) is brining back its public service announcement (PSA) video contest, for a second year. The contest encourages students to think critically about their digital habits and share ways to balance technology use.
The Connected, Not Controlled Challenge invites students in Grades 6 to 12 across Windsor-Essex to create a 30-second PSA video about balancing technology use. Last year’s challenge saw strong engagement, with 64 videos submitted from 19 schools, involving over 100 students and over 2,000 public votes.
Students can upload their PSA videos in English or French until March 31, 2026. Each video must include:
- One Connected, Not Controlled Fact
- One Call to Action
Both Facts and Calls to Action are available on the Connected, Not Controlled webpage.
Data from the 2023 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey shows that many local students in grades 7 to 12 are not meeting screen time and sleep guidelines. In Windsor‑Essex:
- 82% report spending three or more hours per day on screens.
- 50% spend three or more hours daily on social media.
- 62% sleep seven or fewer hours on school nights.
- Only 32% achieve at least 60 minutes of physical activity on six to seven days each week
This data shows the need for supportive initiatives that help youth build healthier digital habits and balance screen use with sleep, physical activity, and other important daily behaviours.
After videos are submitted, youth judges will select the top five videos in each division (Grade 6 to 8 and Grade 9 to 12). Then, starting on April 27, the public will be able to vote for their favourite videos. Prizes will be awarded to the top videos and to the publicly funded schools with the highest participation.
Kristy McBeth, Senior Director, says that young people might not realize how too much screen time can affect their sleep, learning, focus, and overall well-being.
“Participating in the Connected, Not Controlled Challenge allows youth to create important messages for their peers. It gives them a chance to reflect on their digital habits and reminds us that technology should support our well‑being, not control it. By learning to take a balanced approach to screen use, youth are building lifelong skills around balance, awareness, and digital safety, preparing them for a future in a digital world.”
This youth‑led challenge helps students learn about digital wellness and has been shown to connect well with students, families, and the community.
Stay connected to the challenge by visiting the Connected, Not Controlled Challenge website and follow the Health Unit on Facebook, X, and Instagram for challenge updates and announcements.
Key Facts
- Video submissions deadline: March 31st, 2026.
- Eligibility: Windsor-Essex students in Grades 6 to 12.
- Public Voting: April 27th to May 4th, 2026.
- Winners announced: May 7th, 2026
Prizes awarded: Top videos in the elementary (Grade 6 to 8) and secondary (Grade 9 to 12) divisions, as well as the publicly funded schools with the most participation.