The Ugly Truth about Smartphones and Embracing Childhood with Unplugged Canada, Episode 135
The Ugly Truth about Smartphones and Embracing Childhood with Unplugged Canada, Episode 135  
Podcast: The Child Psych Podcast
Published On: Wed Jun 11 2025
Description: In this inspiring episode of The Child Psych Podcast, we sit down with Josette Calleja, co-founder of Unplugged Canada, a grassroots, parent-led movement advocating for healthier childhoods in an overconnected world.Josette shares the personal story that sparked this national initiative and dives into Unplugged Canada's mission: to delay smartphone access until at least age 14, encourage tech-free play and connection, and protect children's mental health and developmental wellbeing from the harms of early and excessive screen exposure.Together, we explore:Why so many parents are saying “not yet” to smartphonesThe growing body of research behind digital overuse and youth mental healthThe importance of the Unplugged Pledge and building community around shared valuesWhat families and schools can do to support kids in thriving offlineThis conversation is both eye-opening and empowering—a call to action for anyone concerned about the future of childhood in a screen-saturated society.Wanting more from ICP? Get 50 % off our annual membership with the coupon code: PODCAST5090+ courses on parenting and children's mental healthPrivate community where you can feel supportedWorkbooks, parenting scripts, and printablesMember-only Webinars Course Certificates for Continuing EducationAccess to our Certification ProgramLive Q & A Sessions for Parents & ProfesssionalsBi-Annual Parenting & Mental Health ConferencesDownloadable Social Media CollectionRobust Resource LibraryClick here for moreTo find out more about Unplugged Canada, click here: https://unpluggedcanada.com/ambassadors/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.