Healthcare providers and parents noticed the overuse and misuse of digital technology as an emerging issue affecting children, youth, and their families. To help youth and parents better understand these topics and make healthy choices,
the Provincial Addiction and Mental Health team started this project.
These resources can be helpful as part of a support plan for children, youth, and families experiencing challenges with the use of digital technology.
Canadian sedentary behaviour guidelines
How much time should children spend in screen-based activities in a day? Learn how your child can be more active and get a better sleep.
Learning about supporting your teen's social life online
Learn how to support your teen to develop healthy online behaviours.
Media and your child: Making choices
Find ways to help manage your child’s screen time.
Family media plan
Learn how to create a media plan for your family.
Internet matters
Get online safety tools and guidelines to help children stay safe online.
Protect kids online
Learn how to protect children when they’re online. You’ll also find online education and prevention information to help keep kids safe online and in everyday life.
Protecting and promoting privacy rights
Get information about youth privacy and the importance of privacy when using digital technology.
Cybercrime
Get information about crimes that can be committed online and how to prevent them from happening.
Parental control applications
Find out about parental control apps to help parents and caregivers protect children’s privacy and online safety.
Explore digital and media literacy
Get educational tools and learning modules to help you learn more about digital and social media.
Social networking
Learn what stories to keep, how to help manage social networking, and other social networking topics.
Someone shared a photo of me without my consent! – Tip sheet
Get tips on what to do if you post something you regret or if someone posts something about you that you didn’t want them to.
Screen time and young children
Find out what Canadian pediatricians say about screen time for children under the age of 5.
Social media: What parents should know
Find out what Canadian pediatricians say about sharing information and images through social media.
Social media map
Get information about the many social media websites, including those related to gaming.
Keeping games fun and friendly
Learn how to keep games fun and positive.
Parental controls for gaming
Get tips to help parents encourage healthy online gaming.
Game age ratings
Get information to help you choose age-appropriate games for children.
Advertising and marketing guidelines – International Age Rating Coalition (IARC)
Learn about game ratings and content and how games are marketed.
Brain connections – Understanding addiction and the brain
Find out how problem gambling affects the brain.
GameSense
Learn about gambling and how gambling games work.
Know the stakes
Get resources in Alberta for healthy and responsible gambling.
Gambling addiction
Learn about gambling addiction and how to find information and support.
International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
Learn how to identify and understand youth gambling problems and other high-risk behaviour.
Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission
Learn recommendations on how to use gambling as a form of healthy entertainment.
Responsible Gambling Council
Find tips for safer gambling.
Gaming legislation
Get information about legal gaming in Alberta:
Play Alberta
Learn about the only regulated online gambling site in the province:
Protect kids online
Learn how to protect children to help keep them safe online and in everyday life.
Online safety
Get tips and resources from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to help you talk to your children about being safe.
Get cyber safe
Learn about the online risks to children and youth, such as child pornography, online luring, and more.
Intimate images
Find out how to talk to your teens about sharing and receiving naked pictures. You’ll also learn what to do if you think your child is involved in or is being exploited by online pornography.
NeedHelpNow
Find out what to do if you need help with a situation that involves sexting, pornography, and exploitation. Parents can also find out how to report these issues.
SexHelp
Learn about the online dangers and problems related to sex. You’ll also find tools to help you know if you’re addicted to sex and pornography, and what you can do to treat it.
Find resources to help your family create and enhance a love for nature, promote civic involvement, and increase leadership skills.
Nature and outdoor organizations
National and provincial parks
Environmental education in schools
Community organizations
Indigenous land-based programs
2SLGBTQI+ youth recreation programs
Adventure and sports programs
Mental health organizations
Experiences and events
Physical activity
Colouring and craft
