As a lifelong rural educator and former Superintendent of Schools, I spent more than 34 years in classrooms, schools and boardrooms watching childhood change. I hold Arts and Education degrees from the University of Lethbridge and a Master’s degree from the University of Alberta, with a focus on trauma and the brain.

What I witnessed became impossible to ignore. Anxiety rates surged. Bullying followed students home through online platforms. Too many children disappeared into screens instead of engaging with the people beside them - the real-world connection we are meant for as human beings. The four foundational harms of social media - social deprivation, sleep deprivation, attention fragmentation and addiction - were not theories. They showed up in schools, in families and in the wellbeing of our students.

That is why, as Superintendent, I was proud that our division became the first in Western Canada to partner with Unplugged Canada. Digital learning tools have an important place in classrooms. Early personal smartphones do not. Connecting families to the Unplugged Canada Pledge helped parents start honest conversations about when and how children use these devices, and it gave communities permission to set healthier limits together.

Recently retired, I continue this as my heart work. I am volunteering with Unplugged Canada to raise awareness and help protect childhood. I want our children to be present, connected and free to grow up as kids. Together, we can change the norm.