Unplugged Canada

Adam Beck parents Rebecca Snow and Dave Pelletier have co-founded the Toronto chapter of Unplugged Canada, a grass roots organization that helps spread awareness about the risks of early smartphone use and empowers parents to collectively delay smartphones until at least age 14. Over the past few months they’ve been busy allying with institutions like SickKids Hospital, Toronto Public Library and The Dais at TMU, spreading awareness amongst educators, school boards and the in media, and supporting Unplugged’s petition to the federal government to raise the age restrictions on social media to 16.

As one concerned medical professional put it to Unplugged; “The introduction of children to the online environment is the largest unregulated clinical trial we have ever run. The results are incredibly concerning. Digital platforms are taking advantage of children’s vulnerabilities, leading to compulsive internet use, diminished self-worth, body dysmorphia, and self-harm. Regulating digital platforms – including age restrictions – will keep children safer and healthier online.” – Dr Charlotte Moore Hepburn, SickKids Hospital.

You can follow the Toronto chapter on instagram or if you want some real-life interaction join the co-founders and other parents at an informal hangout at the Beaches Brewpub (1953 Queen St E) at 7pm on Tuesday 23rd September.