Over the past six months, families, educators, and professionals from across Southeast Alberta came together for a unique learning experience: Navigating the Online World. This project was designed to open up honest conversations about the digital lives of our children—what they’re exposed to, how they feel about it, and how we as adults can better support them.
Each session featured a different topic, delivered by passionate experts and community voices. Together, we explored the impact of screens, the rise of social media, and how early exposure to online content is shaping today’s youth.
What We Talked About
Screens & Development
We began with a look at how screens affect children’s brain development, attention span, and emotional regulation. Professionals shared insight into what’s happening behind the screen—and why setting limits is so important.
Apps & Social Media
What apps are kids really using? Why do they love them? Experts walked us through platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, Discord, and Kids Messenger—highlighting both the benefits and the risks.
Inappropriate Content & Early Exposure
We talked openly about the reality of online pornography and inappropriate content. Families learned how to approach these difficult conversations early, honestly, and with confidence.
A Panel of Moms
One of the most powerful sessions featured local moms sharing their real-life struggles: screen time battles, bedtime negotiations, and the challenge of modeling healthy habits in a tech-heavy world.
Youth Voice: What Grade 5s Told Us
We wrapped up the project by hearing directly from our kids. A survey of 42 Grade 5 students gave us a window into how young people in our community experience the online world.
What the Kids Are Saying
The results of the survey were enlightening—and at times, sobering. Here are a few highlights:
Device Use & Ownership
- 69% of students own a smartphone
- 41% received their first phone before age 9
- 93% have access to a digital device at home
Time Spent on Screens
Some students spend just 1–2 hours a day on devices, while others reported up to 9+ hours. Gaming systems, tablets, and phones were the most commonly used.
Exposure to Inappropriate Content
- 76% said they’ve seen inappropriate content online
- 17% admitted to posting something inappropriate themselves
Most Used Platforms
- YouTube (97%)
- Kids Messenger (66%)
- Snapchat, TikTok, and Discord (each at 41%)
Boundaries at Home
- 66% of students said their families have screen rules
- Rules include: no screens at night, chores before screens, and no talking to strangers
- But 48% feel these rules are inconsistent or not followed
How Kids Feel About Parent Phone Use
Kids were open about how it feels when their parents are distracted by screens:
- “Ignored because she never listened to me… she just scrolls to the end of social media.”
- “It gets annoying.”
- “When my mom does not answer in time.”
- “I’m fine ’cause I just go on mine.”
Moving Forward
The Navigating the Online World project was more than a speaker series—it was a chance for our community to learn, reflect, and grow together. One thing became clear: technology is here to stay, but so is our commitment to helping young people use it with intention and balance.
We look forward to continuing the conversation and creating more opportunities to connect, reflect, and support our kids in the digital age.
Until next time,
Sonya
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