In recognition of Mental Health Week from May 4th to 10th, two local school boards are teaming up to help parents and caregivers better support children in today’s digital world.
The Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board (HPCDSB), in partnership with the Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB), will host two special learning sessions focused on healthy child development and screen use.
The sessions will feature author and journalist Katherine Martinko, who writes about family life and digital habits through her work Childhood Unplugged and The Analog Family Substack.
Martinko will speak on the effects of too much screen time on children’s well-being and will offer practical advice for families on how to create healthy boundaries around technology and social media.
The first session will take place on May 5th from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Anne’s Catholic Secondary School in Clinton. The second will be held on May 25th from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Michael Catholic Secondary School in Stratford.
Both events will include presentations for parents and caregivers, as well as same-day sessions for secondary students, allowing families to learn together.
Organizers say the goal is to help families encourage more face-to-face connection, balanced technology use, and age-appropriate independence.
Parents will also learn simple strategies for setting screen-time limits and starting open conversations about technology use at home.
School officials say the sessions are part of an ongoing partnership between the two boards, with a shared focus on student mental well-being and healthy digital habits.
