Would you like to delay your children's introduction to smartphones and social media? Many parents give devices earlier than they would like due to social pressure. Together, we can change that!

Unplugged Canada is a grassroots, parent-led organization raising awareness across Canada about the impacts of smartphones and social media on children's mental health, social development, and education.

You can sign the pledge to delay smartphones until at least age 14, which helps connect like-minded families within the same community. Talk & text phones or basic watches without internet browsers are still OK — in fact, Canada's Council of Chief Medical Officers of Health recently recommended that families start with a device that meets only their child's basic communication needs and delay social media access. If you are interested in learning more about Unplugged, please visit the website: www.unpluggedcanada.com.

Sturgeon Public Schools is proud to be the first school division in Alberta to partner with Unplugged Canada, a parent-led movement encouraging families to delay giving children personal smartphones until at least age 14. Research shows that waiting can positively impact children’s mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. While technology is an important part of learning in our classrooms, personal smartphone and social media use present different challenges. By sharing the Unplugged Canada Pledge, we hope to support open conversations at home and connect families with the resources they need to make the best choices for their children. Participation is completely voluntary—learn more and sign the pledge here.