As a mother of two and a teacher with nearly two decades of experience, I am increasingly concerned by how smartphones are changing the essence of childhood.

I witness children as young as eight years old walking home from school, scrolling on their smartphones. I think of the nuances of daily life that they are missing: the squirrel running across a branch, the bird chirping happily in the background, the other eight-year-old walking across the street who glances over–a potential new friend, unnoticed.

As parents, we have the collective power to slow this down. By standing together, we can shift societal norms and remove the pressure to provide a phone just because "everyone else has one."

Signing the Unplugged Canada Pledge is a crucial step toward safeguarding our children’s mental health, sleep, and social development. Together, we can reclaim a childhood that prioritizes play and real-life connection over digital distraction.

I am passionate about this mission not only as a parent but as an educator with a Master’s degree in Education; I know firsthand how vital it is to protect the space our children need to grow and thrive.