Young Canadians in a Wireless World, Phase IV: Talking to Youth and Parents about Online Resiliency

In 2019, MediaSmarts conducted focus groups with youth ages 11 to 17 and their parents to better understand what is working for young people online and what needs to be changed or improved so that young people get the most out of their online experiences and their interactions with digital technology – both at home and in the classroom. Through these conversations we discovered that youth are deeply aware of the pitfalls and benefits of digital technology. This research calls attention to how we might help youth across Canada be more resilient online – with more balance, trust and support – and formed the foundation for the development of our national survey with students across Canada.

Outcome Chart - Northwest Territories - Health Education Grade 4

This outcome chart contains media-related learning outcomes from the Northwest Territories Grade 4 Health Education curriculum, with links to supporting resources on the MediaSmarts site.

Health Education Overview

In the Newfoundland and Labrador Health Education Framework, media literacy outcomes can be found in General Curriculum Outcome 1(Students will demonstrate an understanding of the aspects of their health and the issues and challenges which impact health and well-being) and General Curriculum Outcome 2 (Students will demonstrate the capability/ability to use skills, resources, and processes to create conditions and take actions that promote their health and that of the family) as well as many specific curriculum expectations.

Outcome Chart - Manitoba - Physical/Health Education Senior 1

This outcome chart contains media-related learning outcomes from the Manitoba Senior 1 (Grade 9) Physical Education/Health Education curriculum, with links to supporting resources on the MediaSmarts site.

What Influences Our Media Use?

MediaSmarts’ research shows that on average, Canadian youth spend 1-2 hours per day using digital devices each weekday (not counting time spent using them for schoolwork) and more than three hours per weekend day. Average weekday screen time, therefore, falls just within the range recommended by the Canadian Pediatric Society’s Digital Health Task Force, though weekend screen time does not. Other research has found that more than a third (37 percent) of Canadian youth exceeded screen time recommendations in 2023. There are often significant differences, though, between how much time we think we’re spending on media and how much time we actually spend.

Alberta - Physical Education and Wellness Grade 2

Character Development

Exploration of life opportunities and virtues develops resilience and personal talents and promotes lifelong learning.

Guiding Question: How are roles connected to character development?

Learning Outcome: Students examine roles, responsibilities, and self-regulation and their connections to self-understanding.

Outcome Chart - Saskatchewan - Health Education Grade 6

This outcome chart contains media-related learning outcomes from the Saskatchewan Grade 6 Health Education curriculum, with links to supporting resources on the MediaSmarts site.

Prince Edward Island - Physical and Health Education 7PHEA

This outcome chart contains media-related learning outcomes from the Prince Edward Island Physical and Health Education 7PHEA with links to supporting resources on the MediaSmarts site.

Prince Edward Island - Physical and Health Education 8PHEA

This outcome chart contains media-related learning outcomes from the Prince Edward Island Physical and Health Education 8PHEA curriculum, with links to supporting resources on the MediaSmarts site.