Join the Movement
Sturgeon Public Schools is proud to be the first school division in Alberta to support the Unplugged Canada movement.
As a division, we recognize the value of technology in learning—our classrooms embrace digital tools that prepare students for the future. However, we also know that social media and early smartphone access are very different. Research shows that unrestricted access to these platforms too soon can negatively impact student well-being.
That’s why we are encouraging parents to explore this movement, start important conversations at home, and consider signing the pledge. Together, families can make informed choices that protect children’s mental health while still supporting their growth in a digital world.
Participation is entirely voluntary. This is a parent-driven initiative—our role is to connect families with resources and provide School Councils with information to share and discuss.
About Unplugged Canada
Unplugged Canada is a parent-driven grassroots nonprofit that aims to delay children’s access to smartphones and social media.
Its mission is to support healthy childhood development by encouraging more face-to-face interaction, outdoor play, and freedom from algorithm-driven online environments.
Key Goals:
- Delay smartphones until at least age 14
- Build networks of like-minded parents for mutual support
- Advocate for policies that protect youth mental health and online safety
The movement was founded by Jenny Perez and draws on international research, including work by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt (The Anxious Generation, 2024).
How It Works
- The Commitment: Parents pledge not to provide their child with a smartphone until at least age 14.
- Activation: When five or more families in the same grade at a school sign the pledge, it “activates.” Families receive a list of other participating families’ names so they can connect and offer mutual encouragement.
- Privacy: Children’s names are never shared. Only parent names are used for community building.
- Communication Tools: Families often choose alternatives such as flip phones or basic smartwatches to allow for calls and texts without social media or web browsing.
Research & Rationale
Unplugged Canada’s recommendations are based on a growing body of research linking early smartphone/social media use with youth mental health challenges.
Highlighted Findings:
- Mental Health Trends: Since around 2010, rates of anxiety, depression, self-harm, and loneliness among teens have risen sharply—especially among girls.
- Digital Risks: Youth are increasingly exposed to cyberbullying, sextortion, unrealistic social comparison, and harmful content.
- Cognitive Effects: Research shows excessive screen use can disrupt sleep, shorten attention spans, and impact learning.
Jonathan Haidt’s “Four Norms” (as cited in The Anxious Generation):
- No smartphones before age 14
- No social media before age 16
- Phone-free schools
- More unsupervised play and in-person connection