Be an Advocate
Take action
Everyone can be an advocate for healthy screen use
1. Encourage local schools, childcare centres and after-school programs to establish digital literacy curriculum and implement screen use policies.
2. Sign the Unplugged Canada and Leave the Phone Alone pledges: Commit to delaying smartphone access until children are at least 14 years old and to avoiding distracted driving.
3. Use our advocacy tips to contact your Member of Parliament about the need to hold digital platforms accountable for children and youth’s online safety.
4. Support community-based digital literacy initiatives and strategies that help children and youth navigate online content (especially social media) in a safe, informed way.
5. Share our resources with your friends, family and school communities to support ongoing conversations about healthy screen use.
1. Stay up to date with professional learning on digital health. Visit the Accredited CME section of this website for suggestions on where to start.
2. Get involved with provincial and national advocacy on digital media and healthy screen use. See the CPS Call to Action for more information.
3. Collaborate with parents, teachers, and other health professionals to support local initiatives that promote responsible and appropriate screen use.
4. Connect parents to digital health campaigns like the Unplugged Canada pledge to delay smartphone access until age 14 and the Leave the Phone Alone pledge to avoid distracted driving.
5. Engage with your professional networks on common concerns from families, practice tips and emerging research and resources.
Engaging decision-makers directly can strengthen your ability to push for change.
Use this guide to help you:
-Identify advocacy opportunities,
-Choose the right advocacy tools, and
-Communicate your message effectively