Connected, Not Controlled
Youth PSA Challenge
Windsor-Essex County students in grades 6 to 12 can use their voice to raise awareness about how the use of digital technology can affect youths' well-being and daily lives.
About the Challenge
Accepting submissions from April 14 to May 12!
What is the Connected, Not Controlled Challenge?
The Connected, Not Controlled Challenge is a Public Service Announcement (PSA) video contest. Windsor-Essex County students in grades 6 to 12 can use their voice to raise awareness about how the use of digital technology can affect youths’ well-being and daily lives.
Students are asked to create and upload a 30 second PSA video. Prizes will be awarded for the top voted videos and schools with the highest participation.
Have a question?
Why is this important?
Digital technology plays a big role in our daily lives. It is important for youth to learn safe and healthy ways to use it. When youth have a good understanding of how technology affects them, it can help protect their mental health and physical health. Too much time spent on screens can lead to mental health issues, trouble sleeping, and less physical activity. It can also affect relationships with friends and family and schoolwork.
By teaching youth about digital literacy, how to set healthy limits, and encouraging thoughtful use of technology, they can create better habits. This can help them avoid the risks of using too much technology. It is important to educate youth, parents, and educators about good digital habits. This way, everyone can have a balanced approach to technology, leading to positive technology use and a connected life.
Where to Find Support and Resources
Are you looking to get help with your technology use?
Here are some resources that will provide support:
- WEConnect Kids (Coordinated Access): Call 519-257-KIDS (5437)- A free, confidential mental health service for children, youth, and families who live in Windsor-Essex.
- Youth Wellness Hub: Provides mental health counselling in a one-on-one setting, allowing youth 12 to 25 years old to drop in as needed.
- Windsor-Essex Community Health Centre (WECHC): Support workers are available to support youth 12-17 years old who are struggling with internet, social media, or gaming use.
- Kids Help Phone, 24-hour help line: Call 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868, services available in English or French.
- One Stop Talk - 24 hours: Virtual or Call 1-855-416-TALK (8255) A free, confidential service that lets kids and youth under 18 years of age get immediate mental health support with a registered therapist.
- Youth Diversion Essex County: Includes resources and a referral process to support youth with responsible internet use.
- Youth Gambling Awareness Program (YGAP): Provides interactive workshops and resources for children and youth related to media literacy and gambling.
Resources for youth, parents/caregivers, and families on technology use and digital literacy:
- Helping your Child Manage Digital Technology (FRE): This tip sheet from School Mental Health Ontario (SMHO) explains how digital technologies can support learning and skill development, connections with others, and access to help. With limits and balance, these tools can offer meaningful experiences for children and youth.
- We Raise Our Children: A locally developed website that provides support and information to parents about online safety and digital literacy. Multiple languages are available on the website.
- Telus Wise© (FRE): This website offers valuable resources for parents and caregivers to help them support youth in safely navigating the digital world; including online parent/caregiver focused workshops.
- Building Better Tech Habits: A Guide to Digital Well-Being (FRE): A guide from Media Smarts that helps parents/caregivers navigate screen time with their teen.
- Screen Time and Well-Being (FRE): A tip sheet from Media Smarts and Telus is for parents and discusses screen time and wellbeing.
- Four Tips for Managing Your Kids Screen Time (FRE): This tip sheet from Media Smarts provides four important steps to balance screen time and make screen use a valuable part of your kids’ lives.