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What does the Swansea community think about smartphones and tech in schools? Our Spring 2026 survey results tell a story of support for thoughtful and deliberate use of tech, including reducing EdTech and delaying smartphones in favour of alternative ways of building independence.
The Digital Wellness Committee is dedicated to supporting Swansea kids, parents / caregivers, and staff in the quest for a balanced and thoughtful approach to technology use within the Swansea Junior and Senior Public School community. Using resources from Unplugged Canada, Let Grow, Phone Free Schools Movement Canada, and Skills Before Screens, the Committee helps promote awareness, education, and dialogue around digital wellness for students and families.
Key areas of focus for the Committee include:
Encouraging an intentional and measured approach to technology, both inside and outside of the classroom
Promoting digital safety and awareness of online risks
Encouraging more freedom and independence in the real world to promote community, movement, problem-solving skills, and resilience in our kids
Exploring how to more carefully balance new classroom technologies with more established teaching approaches to support learning
Spreading awareness of the Unplugged Canada pledge for families who are seeking community around their decision to delay smartphones
The Committee is working to support positive approaches to addressing underperforming technology in the classroom, ensuring that students and educators have access to effective tools. As part of this work, the Committee provided a set of copies of The Digital Delusion by Jared Cooney Horvath for a staff book club.
The Committee also raises awareness of online safety by sharing resources and organizing screenings and talks, creating opportunities for shared learning and community discussion.
Additionally, the Committee has provided a class set of copies of The Amazing Generation: Your Guide to Fun and Freedom in a Screen-Filled World by Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price to the Swansea JSPS library, a valuable classroom resource to help guide healthy technology habits, in alignment with Ontario’s health and media literacy curriculum.
Here are some resources for parents and caregivers who are interested in learning more:
Check out Swansea’s Unplugged Pledge Count, broken down by grade! (Click Ontario, then Swansea Junior & Senior Public School)
Keep your kiddo connected without handing them the world wide web in their pocket: Check out Unplugged’s guide to Smartphone Alternatives
Learn more about the Apps every parent should be aware of
What to look for in Modern Video Games
Best practices for smartphone safety: Help, my kid already has a phone!
From Smartphone-Free Childhood UK: “If your kid keeps asking for a phone, show them this video”
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Books for kids (grades JK-6)
If you are interested in getting involved with the Digital Wellness Committee, please email Swansea SAC.
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