FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, April 14, 2025 | 9:30 a.m. | Windsor-Essex County
Students in Grades 6 to 12 can increase awareness about the impact of digital technology on their well-being and promote a balanced approach to technology use.
As digital technology continues to shape how we live, learn, and connect, concerns are growing over the impact of too much screen time on young people’s mental, physical, and emotional well-being. In response, Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) is launching a new public service announcement (PSA) video contest to inspire students to think critically about their digital habits and promote a balanced approach to technology use.
The Connected, Not Controlled Challenge invites students in Grades 6 to 12 across Windsor-Essex to create and submit a 30-second PSA video focused on the theme of balancing digital technology use. The challenge is modeled after WECHU’s successful Break the Vape Challenge and shining a spotlight on another important youth issue.
From now until May 12, 2025, students can upload their 30-second PSA videos in English or French. Each video must include:
- One Connected, Not Controlled Fact
- One Call to Action
Facts and Calls to Action are both available on the Connected, Not Controlled webpage.
Video submissions will be reviewed, and youth judges will select the top 5 videos from each division (Grade 6 to 8 and Grade 9 to 12). Then, beginning on June 2, the public will have a chance to vote for the winners. Prizes will be awarded for the top voted videos and to the publicly funded schools with the highest participation rates.
Kristy McBeth, Senior Director, says that young people might not realize the impact of too much screen time on their sleep, learning, attention, and overall health. “Participating in the Connected, Not Controlled Challenge empowers youth to create meaningful messages for their peers. It's about preparing them for a future where digital technology is always around—by giving them the skills to use it wisely, they can be healthier, more focused, and better connected—to themselves and others”.
With digital technology playing an increasingly important role in everyday life, it’s essential for young people to learn how to use it safely, mindfully, and in balance with other healthy habits—like physical activity, sleep, and in-person social connections. This youth-led initiative encourages self-reflection, creativity, and critical thinking around digital well-being, and has been shown to resonate with their peers, parents, and the community. Improving digital media literacy and increasing awareness and knowledge of balancing the use of digital technology, with other aspects of healthy living is an important lesson – for everyone.
Stay connected to the challenge by visiting the Connected, Not Controlled Challenge website and follow the Health Unit on Facebook, X, and Instagram for challenge updates and announcements.