Social media is part of everyday life for most students. According to the 2023 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey (OSDUHS), 93% of students in Grades 7-12 use social media, and 23% spend five or more hours on it daily. Even though many social media platforms have age limits, we know that children under 13 are also using social media.
Social media helps students connect and share ideas, but it also brings risks. Students may face pressure to post personal content, interact with strangers, or see harmful material. High use is linked to poor mental health, stress, self-harm, and cyberbullying.
Whole School Approaches
Limiting access to social media during the school day alone is not enough to prevent harm. Research shows that the most effective approach combines clear school policies, engaging classroom lessons, and strong partnerships with parents to set consistent expectations for healthy tech use. Taking a comprehensive school health approach that involves the whole school community can help reduce screen time and social media use while also preventing potential harm.
Consider the following activities as part of your health and well-being action plan:
Create a Cellphone/Social Media Use Policy
Classroom Education
- Digital citizenship lessons (how to be safe, kind, and responsible online) improve students’ knowledge and confidence to handle issues like cyberbullying and privacy risks.
- Teaching about the risks of social media overuse helps students spot unhealthy patterns and learn strategies to take breaks. Educators can use role-play, discussions, and real-life examples to increase students’ skills and confidence to step in when they see harmful online behaviour.
- Body-image workshops that break down unrealistic portrayals on social media can help to improve body satisfaction and reduce harmful self-talk, especially when started early.
Raise Awareness
- Offer workshops or training for staff on topics like screen time, social media, and digital literacy. Common Sense Education offers Professional Development for educators
- Invite guest speakers or experts to share ideas during professional development days.
- Help families understand your school’s policies by sending home newsletters that expand on classroom learning.
Create a Positive School Culture
- Programs that build a respectful, supportive classroom climate can help prevent harmful online behaviour from spilling into school life.
- Encourage students to take an active role in promoting kindness online, speaking up against cyberbullying, and supporting peers.
Enlist the Support of Community Partners:
- Enlist the support of your local School Health public health nurse. Also consider other community partners (such as police, community mental health agencies, etc.) in planning and implementing Healthy Schools initiatives.
Teaching and Learning
Experts recommend introducing safe and critical social media use as early as elementary school and reinforcing it regularly in age-appropriate ways. Using credible resources and activities that align with Ontario curriculum can help students develop age-appropriate knowledge, learn new skills and make informed decisions to improve their health. Below are some examples that can help with teaching and learning related to digital and media literacy, including online safety:
- Ophea H&PE Curriculum Lesson Plans - Grades 1 - 8 and Grades 9 - 12.
- MediaSmarts - Kindergarten to 12 - This website offers a variety of free teacher resources, including backgrounders, lesson plans, tip sheets, games and other classroom tools.
- Common Sense Media for Educators - Kindergarten to Grade 12. All students need digital citizenship skills to participate fully in their communities and make smart choices online and in life.
Student Engagement
Empowering students to take part in promoting healthy screen time and social media use not only builds awareness but also strengthens student leadership and school connectedness. Here are a few ways to involve students in meaningful ways:
Student-Led Awareness Campaigns
- Have students research, develop, and share key messages about healthy screen time and social media use. These can be shared at school wellness events, through announcements, posters, or social media.
Student Voice in Policy Development
- Involve students in giving feedback or co-developing classroom and school policies around cell phone and social media use. This helps ensure policies reflect student needs and promote shared responsibility.
Providing students with access to trustworthy resources also supports peer learning and helps them make informed choices.
Parent and Family Engagement
The most effective way to reduce potential harms from social media is to combine school policies, classroom learning, and family involvement. Parents and caregivers play a key role in modelling healthy tech habits and setting consistent expectations. Consider involving Parent Involvement Committees and School/Parent Councils to address the issue of social media use/cell phone use in schools.
Parent Information Nights
Family Technology Pledge
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Send home a simple pledge families can complete together, setting shared rules (e.g., no devices at dinner, devices in common areas at night). Encourage students to display it at home as a reminder.
Monthly “Digital Check-In” Prompts
- Include 1–2 conversation starters in school newsletters, such as: “What’s something positive you saw online this week?” or “What’s one way you used your phone or social media to help your learning?”
Additional Resources
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Caring for Kids: Screen time and digital media.
- Kids Help Phone: Feeling good on social media.
- School Mental Health Ontario: has a variety of resources for schools and families, such as:
- PREVNet’s work is based on four strategies: education, assessment, intervention, and policy, all of which are equally important and necessary to stop interpersonal violence and victimization and to create environments where children and youth feel safe. Some resources include:
- ProtectKidsOnline.ca is designed to assist parents/guardians in protecting their children on the Internet and reducing their risk of victimization.
- NeedHelpNow.ca For guidance on peer/self-exploitation incidents (e.g., sexting). This site supports youth who need help navigating digital safety situations.
Contact Us
For more information or to access services, contact your local School Health public health nurse. You can also contact the health unit at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 or by completing our secure online Request for Service Form.
Updated: August 26, 2025
