The Child Psych Podcast11 Jun 2025

The Ugly Truth about Smartphones and Embracing Childhood with Unplugged Canada, Episode 135

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 smartphones

The growing body of research behind digital overuse and youth mental health

The importance of the Unplugged Pledge and building community around shared values

What families and schools can do to support kids in thriving offline

This conversation is both eye-opening and empowering—a call to action for anyone concerned about the future of childhood in a screen-saturated society.

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To find out more about Unplugged Canada, click here: https://unpluggedcanada.com/ambassadors/

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