April 2026 {View as Webpage}

Canada Begins Debating Online Safety

Following on the heels of the recent Australian legislation to protect children online, Canada may be following suit. At the April Liberal national convention held in Montreal, "members voted in favour of restricting young Canadians' access to social media platforms and artificial intelligence chatbots." While the policy was approved by the convention, it is not law, but it is the start of debate and lobbying for change to protect our kids. "Prime Minister Mark Carney has said an age of majority for social media is part of the discussion the government is already having as it develops new online harms legislation."

Unplugged Canada, is working tirelessly on legal reform in Canada and have been lobbying for similar laws to protect children in Nova Scotia. They delivered an open letter to the Prime Minister reflecting support for changes to Canadian laws around social media and technology from 4,500 parents, educators, health care professionals and organizations.

Announcing Our 3 Winners!

When Jacob Ernst addressed parents at our Unplugged Bialik Speaker Event at our Himel Branch, three Tin Can landlines were generously donated for a lucky draw.

And now, drumroll please, we can announce our three winners: Mazal Tov to Michelle Burger, Halie Peters and Dana Doidge. Winners, please pick up your prizes at the Himel West Office.

Upcoming Webinar, May 6

If you are interested in your family managing their digital technology better, be sure to join this Unplugged Canada free live webinar being held May 6 on Zoom.

Speakers Tania Johnson, Dr. Michele Locke, and Kirsten Sweet will have a live conversation on the latest research about smartphones and social media — and how we can navigate it. Parents will also hear about two new Unplugged Canada initiatives aimed at helping families delay smartphones and reconnect in more intentional ways.

An Important Book for Tweens

Want your kids to read a book that lets young people know that they can build a life free from smartphone addiction? Don't miss Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price's optimistic, action-packed book for kids aged 9-12, The Amazing Generation: Your guide to Fun and Freedom in a Screen-Filled World. The book is grounded in research and has illustrations, sidebars and a graphic novel. It encourages kids to build in-person social relationships and promotes questioning and conversations, including between children and their parents.

Bialik Hebrew Day School | T: 416-783-3346| F: 416-785-8287 | communications@bialik.ca | bialik.ca

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