The following resources are meant to help support families in selecting digital media that is appropriate for their families, as well as to engage in conversations around what it means for your family to live well in a digital world. In addition, each of these resources has further information on social media, privacy & safety and relevant research.
'Take Action' Opportunities
The following are suggested actions from our Digital Wellness for Families online course that your family can engage in around our 5 Digital Wellness elements. Examples include exploring your family's screen time or looking at how 'sideways searching' can help your family think critically about what they are seeing online.
We've curated a list of picture books that help support digital wellness discussions and questions with younger students.
Common Sense Media
Common Sense is a leading source of entertainment and technology recommendations for families and schools. Every day, millions of parents and educators trust Common Sense reviews and advice to help them navigate the digital world with their kids.
UBC Digital Wellness Q&A
Recently, Dr. Lutes and Dr. McManus completed a large-scale study of almost 400 children and youth in Kelowna to improve our understanding of how lifestyle habits such as screen time, snacking, sleep and physical activity influence physical and psychological health. This Q&A session has some questions from our Digital Wellness for Families course.
Parenting in the Digital Age
How can parents ensure their children have a healthy relationship with technology? Social psychologist Sonia Livingstone suggests that the key lies in embracing technology alongside children -- and lays out a practical roadmap for how to get there.
Media Smarts
MediaSmarts has been developing digital and media literacy programs and resources for Canadian homes, schools and communities since 1996. They support adults with information and tools so they can help children and teens develop the critical thinking skills they need for interacting with the media they love.
Young Kelowna - Wellness Report
The Young Kelowna Wellness Report, completed by the Pediatric Exercise Research Lab at UBC, is a snapshot of life for Kelowna kids in grades 4 to 9. Are you getting enough sleep? Is screen time a problem? What does social life look like for you and your friends? Click below to visit the Young Kelowna website. Report summary available HERE.
Family Online Safety Institute
The Family Online Safety Institute brings a unique, international perspective to the potential risks, harms as well as the rewards of our online lives. Their work encompasses public policy, industry best practice as well as good digital parenting.
Raising Digitally Responsible Youth
Parents and caregivers play a vital role in safeguarding their children and teaching them responsible tech use. This guide aims to equip parents and caregivers with insights into major tech platforms and trends, recognizing that technology is a permanent fixture in our lives, and our children's digital reputations hold significance for their future opportunities.
