Screen-Time Safety: Event Puts Focus on Student Digital Well-Being

Tuesday, Mar 31, 2026

Digital safety advocate Margot Denomme presenting at a recent GEPIC event

Photo caption: Digital safety advocate, author, and former Crown attorney Margot Denommé presents at a recent GEPIC event


The informative session, held at Brantford Collegiate Institute and Vocational School on March 23, focused on raising awareness about the growing risks young people face online. Denommé, founder of  Raising Awareness About Digital Dangers (RAADD), addressed parents/caregivers, educators, and community members on the urgent need for proactive digital education.

"Parents and caregivers are parenting in unprecedented times," said Denommé, pointing out that the digital landscape parents/caregivers grew up with looked a lot different. "When we were growing up, there were natural boundaries. Today, there is no real break. The social media world follows kids everywhere, even into the quiet moments of their day."

The Grand Erie District School Board is renewing its ongoing commitment to student well-being after hosting digital safety advocate, author, and former Crown attorney Margot Denommé as part of a recent  Grand Erie Parent Involvement Committee (GEPIC) event.

The presentation highlighted a range of concerns tied to youth technology use, including exposure to online predators, cyberbullying, and the long-term consequences of digital footprints. Attendees also learned about the mental health impacts of excessive screen time and 'comparison culture' driven by social media.

“Preparing learners for the future means equipping them with the knowledge and skills to safely navigate an ever-changing digital landscape,” said JoAnna Roberto, Director of Education, echoing key components of RAADD’s programming. "It's not just about access to technology, it's about education that fosters both digital skills and critical thinking about the role technology has in our lives." 

In the GEPIC event, Denommé drew on her professional experience to explain how online behaviour can carry real-world legal consequences, while also emphasizing the importance of building self-esteem and resilience in youth.

"There is constant pressure on kids — the comparison, the need to respond, the feeling of always being 'on,'" explained Denommé. "It affects their confidence, their sleep, and their overall well-being; relationships can escalate quickly online, and in schools, attention and focus are real challenges."

The session introduced practical tools for families, including guidance on setting boundaries around smartphone use, delaying access to social media, and encouraging more offline connection and hands-on activities.

The GEPIC event is part of a broader initiative to support whole-student development by integrating digital literacy and social-emotional learning. Collaboration with organizations such as RAADD enhances the capacity to equip students and families with the knowledge and competencies required to effectively navigate an increasingly complex digital landscape.

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