Reprinted from the Growing Up In a Digital World issue of Visions Journal, 2023, 18 (1), p. 28
Wellness Module 10: Staying Mentally Healthy with Technology
heretohelp.bc.ca/wellness-module/wellness-module-10-staying-mentally-healthy-with-technology
Technology like your phone and social media apps can boost your well-being at times, but it can also harm your well-being at other times. This Wellness Module helps you find a more balanced approach.
Foundry BC
Mental and physical health care, peer support, and programs for young people ages 12-24. Services are available online through the Foundry Virtual BC app and there are in-person centres in many communities across BC.
MediaSmarts
Learn and practice digital and media literacy skills like recognizing fake news, thinking critically, and setting healthy boundaries. There are also resources for parents and teachers
Kids Help Phone
Tips and tools for young people to think about social media and stay safe online. Find resources like:
- Online dating: Safety tips (kidshelpphone.ca/get-info/online-dating-safety-tips)
- Social media: Resources to support your mental health (kidshelpphone.ca/get-info/social-media-resources-to-support-your-mental-health)
- Digital detox: How to unplug and recharge (kidshelpphone.ca/get-info/digital-detox-unplug-recharge)
Jessie’s Legacy
Information and resources for youth and families about body image, disordered eating, and eating disorders, including social media’s influence on body image and dieting.
Amanda Todd Legacy Society
amandatoddlegacy.org/get-help-and-resources
Find a library of resources on online safety, bullying, cybercrimes, and exploitation.
Canadian Centre for Child Protection
The Canadian Centre for Child Protection works to protect children’s safety. Learn more on Cybertip.ca (a tool for reporting online child sexual abuse and exploitation), projects that educate everyone about online child abuse and exploitation, and age-appropriate resources on online safety.
