In this inspiring episode of The Child Psych Podcast, we sit down with Josette Calleja, co-founder of Unplugged Canada, a grassroots, parent-led movement advocating for healthier childhoods in an overconnected world.
Josette shares the personal story that sparked this national initiative and dives into Unplugged Canada's mission: to delay smartphone access until at least age 14, encourage tech-free play and connection, and protect children's mental health and developmental wellbeing from the harms of early and excessive screen exposure.
Together, we explore:
Why so many parents are saying “not yet” to smartphones
The growing body of research behind digital overuse and youth mental health
The importance of the Unplugged Pledge and building community around shared values
What families and schools can do to support kids in thriving offline
This conversation is both eye-opening and empowering—a call to action for anyone concerned about the future of childhood in a screen-saturated society.
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To find out more about Unplugged Canada, click here: https://unpluggedcanada.com/ambassadors/
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