Unplugged Canada NS

07/01/2026

For too long we’ve been told, “Parents just need to parent.”

Canada’s Chief Medical Officers of Health - the country’s senior public health doctors, each responsible for the health of their province or territory - disagree.

Their new position statement recognizes what many people have been saying for years: digital platforms are designed to capture children’s attention, and parents cannot be expected to shoulder that burden alone.

This isn’t just a parenting issue. It’s a public health issue.
We need safer technology. Stronger protections. Shared responsibility.

Because children deserve protection from a digital environment they were never meant to grow up inside.

06/23/2026

We are so close.

470 families across Nova Scotia have signed the unplugged pledge – and now we are pushing for 500 before the summer break starts.

That’s just 30 more parents saying:

📱 No smartphones (or social media) before 14.
👧 Protect childhood. Delay the pressure.

This week, talk about it where parents gather:
🍔 At the family barbecue.
🔥 At neighbourhood bonfires.
💃At the year-end dance
⚽️At the soccer field.
🩱At the community pool.
🎓At middle school graduations
🎈At birthday parties.
👯‍♀️At dance recitals.

Forward this post to another parent. Send it to the grandparents you know, too.
Because every conversation matters. If every parent who signed found just ONE more parent, we wouldn’t stop at 500. We’d continue to build this movement.

Add your name. Share the pledge. Help protect childhood in Nova Scotia.

06/18/2026

We wanted to share this post from Jess | Toxicologist & mom | Non-toxic living because it’s single, stand-alone message should be all you need to know.

There is so much discourse online about the risks and benefits of technology, and with the news recently here in Canada about bill C-34, there are conversations occurring about whether it’s really okay to take tech out of the hands of kids and if we really need legislation for it.
But let’s be honest: where are the benefits of allowing youth to use smartphones?
The bottom line is, there are none. There is no scientific evidence to support their use among youth.

So why are parents still allowing their children to have smartphones?

This is something to think about. If you’re a parent who hasn’t considered it much before, or you’re on the fence now about where you stand, it’s never too late to change your mind. Visit our website to learn more: www.unpluggedcanada.com

06/15/2026

Congratulations, Canada! We have officially hit 10,000 pledges!

Thousands of families across the country are saying “no” to smartphones for their children. This creates a brighter future for thousands of kids by safeguarding their mental health, social development, and ability to learn without constant distraction.

The tide is changing. Have you signed the pledge yet? Join us in delaying smartphones and get connected with other likeminded families in your community.

In case you missed it, our website features live dashboards! You can see real-time data on how many pledges have been signed in each grade at your child’s school. This gives you immediate insight into how many other families have joined this initiative so far. Our newly redesigned website also features tons of resources including talking points and handouts to spur the conversation in your community. Check it out today! www.unpluggedcanada.com

06/11/2026

This week has been an important step forward for children’s safety in digital spaces.

The inclusion of a social media age minimum of 16 in the upcoming digital safety bill reflects years of work from parents, educators, health professionals, and child advocates all across Canada.

There is still work ahead, but one thing is certain: Canada is ready for change. We look forward to working with lawmakers to ensure strong protections for children online and meaningful accountability for tech companies.

This is progress. Now let’s keep going.💪

06/09/2026

👏 WE LOVE TO SEE IT 👏 This is a huge step in the right direction.

This week, the federal government is expected to introduce legislation that would restrict social media access for children under 16 as part of Canada‘s new Online Harms bill.

For years, parents, educators, health professionals, youth advocates - and everyone here at Unplugged - have all raised concerns about the impact of smartphone use among youth.
Unplugged Canada believes that kids deserve a childhood filled with real world connection, creativity, play, learning, and community. They deserve to be free from addictive platform designs, algorithm-driven content, cyberbullying, exploitation, trafficking, sleep disruption, and poor mental well-being.

We are SO encouraged to see meaningful steps being taken by our government to put children’s well-being ahead of corporate profits.

04/29/2026

Across Canada, something is shifting.
From Manitoba to Ontario, Saskatchewan to British Columbia – leaders are starting to respond to growing concerns about youth, smartphones, and social media.

And it’s working.

These conversations are leading to REAL policy changes being considered. Momentum is building.

Now it’s our turn to keep it going here in Nova Scotia. When parents raise their voices together, our leaders listen. That’s how change starts – and how it grows. If you’ve been feeling concerned about the impact of smartphones and social media on children, you’re not alone. And you’re not too late.

📣Add your voice. Be part of the momentum.
📞Contact your leaders and tell them you want a better future future for our children.

Let’s protect their childhood – together.

04/10/2026

Thank you Jonathan Haidt for helping to amplify this message!

French below / Version française ci-dessous Dear Prime Minister Carney, We write to express strong support for online youth safety legislation that meaningfully protects young people by placing clear product safety obligations on social media companies. Effective digital safety legislation must inc...

04/06/2026

Kids deserve a school day that protects their focus, their safety, and their childhood.

We’re joining the conversation.

is hosting an Eastern Canada session to share what’s happening across provinces and how real change is being pushed forward at both the school and policy level.
From local advocacy to national coordination, this is about shifting the culture and giving kids back the space to learn, connect, and grow without constant digital pressure.

📅 Friday, April 10
🕛 12:00 PM AST
💻 Zoom (link in bio)

If you care about safer schools and healthier childhoods, this matters. Join us on Friday!

04/04/2026

We need your help – right now.

We’ve created an open letter to show government that community leaders across Canada are united and calling for stronger protection for kids online.

But it only works if YOUR voices are behind it.

If you are a:
- doctor
- teacher
- social worker
- community leader

- or you know someone who is - this matters.

We are asking you to add your name and then share this with your network.

🗓️ Deadline: April 8 (this will be presented ahead of the Liberal debate April 9–11).

The more names we have, the harder it is to ignore.

🔗Sign and share from the link in our bio.