Balanced Technology Use and Well-being
Learning how to use technology in a balanced way helps kids and teens build good habits. This can keep them safe from problems that come from using too much technology.
What is digital technology and how does it affect us?
Digital technology includes things like phones, tablets, computers, and TVs. We use these tools to learn, talk with others, do daily tasks, and have fun. When we use screens just for fun (not for school or work), it’s called recreational screen time.
Canada’s 24-hour Movement Guidelines recommend that children ages 5-17 should have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day. The Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey, 2023, in Windsor- Essex County showed that:
- 82% of youth in grades 7 to 12 use screen for 3 or more hours a day.
- Over half (52.6%) use screens for 5 or more hours a day.
Using screens too much is called Problem Technology Use (PTU). This can affect your physical health, mental health, and well being. To stay healthy, it’s important to balance screen time with things like exercise, sleep, and spending time with others!
Why do students need to use technology in a balanced way?
Technology is a part of everyday life so, children and youth need to learn how to use it safely, responsibly, and in ways that support their health.
Too much screen time can cause:
- Mental health problems
- Trouble sleeping
- Less physical activity
- Problems with friends, family, and school
Teaching children and youth about digital literacy (how to use technology wisely), setting healthy limits, and thinking carefully about how they use screens, can help them build better habits.
It’s important for students, parents, and educators, to learn about good digital habits. This way, everyone can have a balanced approach to technology, leading to positive technology use, and a connected life.
How can schools, parents, and students build good technology habits?
Schools, parents, and students all have a part to play in helping youth use technology in healthy ways.
What Can Schools Do?
Schools play an important role in teaching students how to use technology safely. Since students spend a lot of time at schools, it is a really good place to learn how to be responsible digital citizens. The updates made to Policy/Program Memorandum 128 (PPM128) to include limiting the use of personal mobile devices in classrooms was a result .
Below you will find several informational and community resources for educators, parents/caregivers, and students. Educator resources are organized using the Ministry of Education’s Foundations for a Healthy School framework.
A healthy school is created when schools, parents and community partners work together to build school environments that promote and support student well-being.
Resources & Information for:
Background Resources
Use, Understand, & Engage: A Digital Media Literacy Framework for Canadian Schools (FR)- (MediaSmarts)
All Grades
This resource provides a road map for teaching these skills in Canadian schools. The framework draws on nine framework topics of digital media literacy and provides teachers with supporting lessons and interactive resources that are linked to curriculum outcomes.
Screen time and preschool children: Promoting health and development in a digital world (FR) (Canadian Paediatric Society, Digital Health Task Force)
JK/SK
A CPS statement that examines the potential benefits and risks of screen media in children younger than 5 years, with a focus on developmental, psychosocial and physical health.
Digital media: Promoting healthy screen use in school-aged children and adolescents: (Canadian Paediatric Society, Digital Health Task Force)
A Canadian Paediatric Society position statement that provides background information on the impacts of the use of digital media on development, mental health, physical health and recommendations for families.
Digital Media Literacy Framework (Grades 4-6)(FR) (MediaSmarts)
Grades 4 to 6
This framework provides educators with a comprehensive roadmap for teaching digital media literacy in Canadian schools. Organized around key concepts of digital citizenship, online safety, privacy, media literacy, critical thinking, and responsible technology use, it includes curriculum-connected lessons, activities, and resources to help students develop the skills needed to participate safely and responsibly in digital environments.
By Your Side Toolkit- for school staff (FR) (SMHO)
Provides accessible, ready-to-use resources designed to empower school staff in supporting student mental health and well-being. Resources help strengthen connections with families and foster mental health learning and engagement within the school community.
How Can You Spot AI Fakes? (CTV News)
Grades 6 to 12
This short video introduces students to AI-generated images, videos, and deepfakes. It helps students develop skills to critically evaluate digital content and recognize manipulated media
Lessons
Below, educators will find a collection of lessons and activities designed to help students understand the importance of balanced technology use, being a responsible digital citizen, and increasing their digital literacy.
Digital Literacy 101 (FR) (MediaSmarts)
Grades JK to 12
This resource includes a classroom guide to digital literacy, videos about digital literacy, self-directed tutorials and presentations to better understand how to incorporate content into your lessons.
Connected, Not Controlled (WECHU)
Grade 6 to 12
A Public Service Announcement (PSA) video contest. Windsor-Essex County students in grades 6 to 12 can use their voice to raise awareness about how the use of digital technology can affect youths’ well-being and daily lives.
Finding Balance in Our Digital Lives (FR) (MediaSmarts)
Grades JK to 3
In this lesson, students look at the different ways in to spend their free time and learn to find balance between activities.
Break the Fake: What's Real Online? (FR) (MediaSmarts)
Grades 3 to 5
In this lesson, students learn how to identify misinformation, evaluate online content, and recognize that not everything they encounter online is accurate or trustworthy.
Privacy Pursuit! Protecting Your Privacy (FR) (MediaSmarts)
Grades 4 to 5
In this lesson, students review what privacy means in online environments and learn practical strategies for protecting personal information. Students explore privacy risks, privacy settings, and safe online behaviours.
Game Time (FR) (MediaSmarts)
Grade 4 to 6
In this lesson, students consider the positive aspects of video games as well as the ways in which games may take time away from other activities they enjoy.
Behaving Ethically Online: Ethics and Empathy (FR) (MediaSmarts)
Grades 4 to 6
In this lesson, students learn how emotions can influence online behaviour. Through discussions about empathy, respectful communication, and conflict resolution, students develop skills that support positive digital citizenship and healthy online interactions.
Internet Safety and Making Choices for Personal Health Lessons (FR) (Ophea)
Grade 4 to 8
Lessons and activities for students in grades 4 to 8 focusing on topics such as: the benefits and dangers of technology, how to be a good digital citizen, how to stay safe online. Be sure to login with a free account to access all lessons.
- Internet Safety: Grade 4: Learn to stay safe when using technology and how to use it respectfully. Available in French.
- Internet Safety: Grade 5: Learn how words and online actions impact others. Available in French.
- Internet Safety: Grade 6: Learn how to how to be a good digital citizen, while staying respectful and safe online. Available in French.
- Internet Safety: Grade 7: Learn about the benefits and dangers of technology and using coping strategies and self awareness skills to identify ways to protect our physical and mental health. Available in French.
- Internet Safety: Grade 8: Learn about online violence and how to speak out against it. Available in French.
Video Game Verbs (FR) (MediaSmarts)
Grades 4 to 8
In this lesson, students investigate the interactive nature of video games and how game design influences decision-making and engagement. Students examine how games encourage specific behaviours and reflect on their own gaming experiences.
Activity Sheets for Kids (Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada)
Grades 4 to 8
These interactive activity sheets help students learn about privacy, personal information, and online safety in an engaging and age-appropriate way. Through games, puzzles, quizzes, and reflection activities, students explore how to protect their personal information, make informed choices online, and develop responsible digital citizenship skills.
School Health Digital Wellness Board Game (Huron Perth Public Health)
Grades 4 to 8
This interactive board game helps students explore healthy digital habits and develop digital wellness skills in an engaging and collaborative way. Through discussion questions, scenarios, and activities, students reflect on topics such as balanced screen use, online relationships, digital citizenship, and personal well-being. The resource encourages critical thinking, positive decision-making, and responsible technology use while promoting healthy connections both online and offline.
Getting the Toothpaste Back into the Tube: A Lesson on Online Information (FR) (MediaSmarts)
Grades 6 to 8
In this lesson, students explore the permanence of online information and the concept of digital footprints. Students learn how online actions can have long-lasting consequences and discuss responsible sharing practices.
Digital Media Experiences are Shaped by the Tools We Use: The Disconnection Challenge (FR) (MediaSmarts)
Grade 7 to 12
In this lesson, students consider the role of technology and media in their lives and spend a week either tracking or limiting their media use. Students then share their experiences and discuss how the ways that digital media tools are made may cause us to use them differently. Finally, students create a mindful media use plan.
Prepare your students for our digital world (FR) (Telus Wise©)
Grade 2-12
Bring digital literacy into your classroom with interactive and informative workshops and resources to help your students have a positive experience as digital citizens.
My Voice is Louder than Hate (FR) (MediaSmarts)
Grade 9-12
A multimedia lesson resource designed to empower students push back against hate and prejudice in their online communities.
Healthy Schools Recognition Program - (FR)
Provides your school the tools to promote and enhance the health and well-being of students, school staff, and the broader school community. Contact your school nurse at 519-258-2146 x 1555 for more information on how they can support your school in achieving a Healthy Schools Certification.
Empower student groups, such as student council or student wellness council, to actively participate in identifying school needs and develop activities to address those needs.
School Campaigns and Social Media
Calendar of Awareness Days: Digital media literacy resources for the classroom (FR) - MediaSmarts
All grades
MediaSmarts developed this calendar of special awareness days for schools to easily pinpoint opportunities to explore a variety of digital media issues while recognizing commemorative events throughout the school year.
Connect Quest (FR): School Mental Health Ontario
Provides a collection of ready-to-use student activities, educator guides, and classroom resources designed to help students build positive connections, develop healthy habits, and promote balanced device use and substance use health. Resources support educators in fostering student well-being, resilience, and healthy decision-making.
Cyberbullying; What Teens Can Do (PREVNet)
Grade 8-12
The internet does have rules of conduct just like life! The anonymous and instant nature of the internet makes it easy to believe people can say or do what they want without repercussions. Share these rules with your school through announcements, social media posts and skits.
School Wellness Bulletin Board - Use school bulletin boards (physical/virtual) to post student mental health/wellness messages throughout the year and encourage contributions from students in form of writing, drawing, or other artistic measures. Here are some themes and ideas for the classroom:
- Digital Awareness days (FR) are everyday. Activities can also be used in conjunction with other awareness days such as Pink shirt Day and Nutrition month.
- Practice Safe social (FR) - Simple steps to protect yourself online.
Support in the Community
WEConnectKids (Coordinated Access): Call 519-257-KIDS (5437)- A free, confidential mental health service for children, youth, and families who live in Windsor-Essex.
Windsor-Essex County Youth Services Card: provides contact information to local services for youth in Windsor-Essex County.
Youth Wellness Hub: For youth aged 12-25 offering walk-in mental health services, substance use and addiction services, access to a Nurse Practitioner for primary care, and community social services. The Youth Wellness Hub also offers recreational activities and peer support. Services available in Windsor and Leamington locations.
Youth Diversion Essex County: Includes resources and a referral process to support youth with responsible internet use.
Youth Gambling Awareness Program (YGAP): Provides interactive workshops and resources for children and youth related to media literacy and gambling.
New Beginnings: Supports children, youth, adults, and families through a range of counselling and support services, including mental health counselling, family services, and community-based programs. New Beginnings offers individual, family, and group supports designed to promote well-being, build resilience, and help individuals navigate life’s challenges.
Windsor-Essex Community Health Centre (WECHC): Support workers are available to support youth 12-17 years old who are struggling with internet, social media, or gaming use.
Mental Health and Addiction Nurse: 519-258-8211 or 1-888-447-4468- High school students can call to talk about alcohol, cannabis, opioids, or other substances. A school, hospital, or community agency can also refer online or by calling the number above.
Additional Supports and Resources
Centre for Healthy Screen Use; Canadian Paediatric Society
Find Policy recommendations from Ontario including how screens are used in educational settings.
Helping your Child Manage Digital Technology(FR) School Mental Health Ontario
This tip sheet from explains how digital technologies can support learning and skill development, connections with others, and access to help.
ProtectKidsOnline.ca- Canadian Centre for Child Protection
This site regularly collects information from Cybertip.ca to help parents stay informed about new technology, the risks youth face online, and ways make their children’s online experiences safer.
Screen Use and Digital Media: Advice for Parents of School-Aged Children and Teens (Caring for Kids)
Parents/Caregivers of School-Aged Children and Teens
This resource provides practical, evidence-informed guidance to help families support healthy screen use at home. Parents and caregivers learn strategies for creating balanced technology habits, setting age-appropriate boundaries, encouraging positive online experiences, and modelling healthy digital behaviours. The resource also highlights the importance of sleep, physical activity, and face-to-face connections in supporting overall well-being.
Cyberbullying Fact Sheet for 12-13 Year Olds - (FR) (Public Safety Canada)
Grades 7 to 8
This fact sheet helps students understand what cyberbullying is, why it happens, and how it can affect individuals and communities. Students learn how to recognize cyberbullying behaviours, respond safely when they occur, seek support from trusted adults, and contribute to creating respectful and inclusive online environments.
Cyberbullying Resources for Teachers – (FR) (Public Safety Canada)
Educators (Grades 4 to 12)
This collection of resources supports educators in addressing cyberbullying through prevention, awareness, and response. Teachers can access information, classroom materials, and discussion tools to help students understand the impacts of cyberbullying, develop positive online behaviours, build empathy, and foster safe and respectful digital learning environments.
Support in the Community
WEConnectKids- (Coordinated Access): Call 519-257-KIDS (5437)- A free, confidential mental health service for children, youth, and families who live in Windsor-Essex.
Windsor-Essex County Youth Services Card- provides contact information to local services for youth in Windsor-Essex County.
Youth Wellness Hub- For youth aged 12-25 offering walk-in mental health services, substance use and addiction services, access to a Nurse Practitioner for primary care, and community social services. The Youth Wellness Hub also offers recreational activities and peer support. Services available in Windsor and Leamington locations.
One Stop Talk - 24 hours: Virtual or Call 1-855-416-TALK (8255) A free, confidential service that lets kids and youth under 18 years of age get immediate mental health support with a registered therapist.
Kids Help Phone: at 1 800 668-6868. 24 hours/7 days a week telephone or web chat service for children and youth. *Services in English and French.
We Raise Our Children: A locally developed website that provides support and information to parents about online safety and digital literacy. Multiple languages are available on the website.
New Beginnings- Supports children, youth, adults, and families through a range of counselling and support services, including mental health counselling, substance use support, family services, and community-based programs. New Beginnings offers individual, family, and group supports designed to promote well-being, build resilience, and help individuals navigate life’s challenges.
Windsor-Essex Community Health Centre (WECHC)- Support workers are available to support youth 12-17 years old who are struggling with internet, social media, or gaming use.
Youth Diversion Essex County- Includes resources and a referral process to support youth with responsible internet use.
Additional Support and Resources
Centre for Healthy Screen Use – At the Canadian Paediatric Society: this website has a Resource Library and Q&A Bank to help parent/caregivers get answers and tips to set healthy limits around screen use in the home.
Helping your Child Manage Digital Technology- School Mental Health Ontario (FR): This tip sheet from explains how digital technologies can support learning and skill development, connections with others, and access to help.
Telus Wise© (FR):
This website offers valuable resources for parents and caregivers to help them support youth in safely navigating the digital world; including online parent/caregiver focused workshops.
Building Better Tech Habits: A Guide to Digital Well-Being (FR)- MediaSmarts
A guide from that helps parents/caregivers navigate screen time with their children. Other Media Smart resource include:
- Screen Time and Well-Being (FR)- A tip sheet that discusses screen time and wellbeing
- Four Tips for Managing Your Kids Screen Time (FR)- A tip sheet that provides four important steps to balance screen time and make screen use a valuable part of your kids’ lives.
ProtectKidsOnline.ca- Canadian Centre for Child Protection
This site regularly collects information from Cybertip.ca to help parents stay informed about new technology, the risks youth face online, and ways make their children’s online experiences safer.
By Your Side (FR) -School Mental Health Ontario
This free online resource is designed to help parents and caregivers support their child’s mental health and well-being. Families can find easy-to-understand information, practical tips, videos, and resources on topics such as mental health, emotional well-being, digital technology use, and getting help when needed.
Resources for Parents: MediaSmarts
Tip sheets, guides, games and workshops to help navigate the digital world as a parent.
Screen Use and Digital Media: Advice for Parents of School-Aged Children and Teens (FR) (Canadian Paediatric Society)
Provides practical information on healthy screen use, social media, video gaming, sleep, and strategies for supporting balanced technology use at home.
Cyberbullying Fact Sheet for 12-13 Year Olds (FR) (Public Safety Canada)
Provides information for youth and families about recognizing cyberbullying, responding safely, reporting concerns, and finding support.
Support in the Community
WEConnectKids: (Coordinated Access): Call 519-257-KIDS (5437)- A free, confidential mental health service for children, youth, and families who live in Windsor-Essex.
Windsor-Essex County Youth Services Card: provides contact information to local services for youth in Windsor-Essex County.
Youth Wellness Hub: For youth aged 12-25 offering walk-in mental health services, substance use and addiction services, access to a Nurse Practitioner for primary care, and community social services. The Youth Wellness Hub also offers recreational activities and peer support. Services available in Windsor and Leamington locations.
One Stop Talk - 24 hours: Virtual or Call 1-855-416-TALK (8255) A free, confidential service that lets kids and youth under 18 years of age get immediate mental health support with a registered therapist.
Kids Help Phone: at 1 800 668-6868. 24 hours/7 days a week telephone or web chat service for children and youth. *Services in English and French.
New Beginnings: Supports children, youth, adults, and families through a range of counselling and support services, including mental health counselling, family services, and community-based programs. New Beginnings offers individual, family, and group supports designed to promote well-being, build resilience, and help individuals navigate life’s challenges. Services are available throughout Windsor-Essex County.
Windsor-Essex Community Health Centre (WECHC): Support workers are available to support youth 12-17 years old who are struggling with internet, social media, or gaming use.
Mental Health and Addiction Nurse: 519-258-8211 or 1-888-447-4468- High school students can call to talk about alcohol, cannabis, opioids, or other substances. A school, hospital, or community agency can also refer online or by calling the number above.
Additional Resources and Support
Children’s Comics (Telus Wise©) (FRE):
Comics that are fun to read and contain helpful digital safety lessons.