I fully support the Unplugged Canada initiative. I have been a practicing pediatrician in Vancouver, BC for almost 25 years. For the past 5-10 years, not a day goes by in my practice that I do not have parents describing the struggle they have prying their children off of their cell phones, tablets, computers or away from the television. There is constant conflict in many homes over managing screen time. Countless parents are unable to engage their kids while they are on screen. The more screen time kids have, the more they want.

We know that youth are experiencing increased mental health challenges including anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, ADHD, and sleep challenges. Constant digital stimulation increases mood swings and feelings of tension and irritability.

Being a child is such a short and precious time in one’s life. Childhood is the chance for kids to be creative, active, and interactive. People have their whole lives to be on screens. Let kids play, laugh, be curious and explore with one another. We should be advocating for less screen times in schools, not more!

I completed my Medical Degree at McGill University. I moved to Vancouver for my Pediatric Residency training at BC Children’s and Women’s Hospital.

I enjoy teaching pediatric and family medicine residents, and medical students at the hospital. I am a Clinical Assistant Professor in the UBC Department of Pediatrics and have been the recipient of awards for Family Centered Care and Community Pediatrician of the Year from the UBC Department of the Pediatrics. I was also a member of the Pediatric Residency Training Committee for over 10 years and was Assistant Program Director for the Pediatric Residents for one year.