Helping teens reflect on their relationship with their phones
We recently hosted two workshops on cell phone use and addiction for Grade 9 students at Simonds High School in Saint John. The sessions were delivered as part of the school’s Personal Wellness classes, where learners explore their own health and how their choices and habits impact both their personal well-being and their community. Each workshop welcomed about 50 students to take part in an interactive seminar led by counselling intern Joel Bell.
The goal of the workshop wasn’t to tell students to give up their phones — instead, it was about helping them reflect on how and why they use them. Bell, who is also a substitute teacher, encouraged students to explore the upsides and downsides of constant connectivity, recognizing that phones can both support and challenge our well-being depending on how they’re used.
“I didn’t want to just discourage phone use,” Bell explained. “Instead, we looked at how individual needs shape our habits. For some, phones can be a lifeline; for others, they can become a source of stress or distraction.”
Learning Through Reflection and Play
Students broke into groups to discuss the pros, cons and neutral aspects of social media and mobile phones. To make things fun and relatable, Bell turned the discussion into a game: students were given scenarios and asked to decide how they’d respond. The activity sparked lively conversations and plenty of self-awareness.
Many students identified “doom scrolling” as one of the hardest habits to break, while others noted safety concerns, online comparison and the feeling of being “connected but alone.” Despite these challenges, Bell found the students to be insightful and open-minded.
“Kids are more self-aware than we give them credit for. They know there are benefits—like safety, information and connection—but they also recognize how easy it is to overconsume.”
The Impact of Phones on Teen Mental Health
Across Canada, research continues to show that cell phone use can have both positive and negative effects on young people’s mental health. According to one Ontario study, more than one-third of secondary school students spend five hours or more each day on electronic devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops, computers, or gaming consoles) during their free time. Several studies have linked higher daily screen time with increased symptoms of anxiety, depression and sleep disruption, especially among youth who use their phones late at night or for passive scrolling.
At the same time, phones can also provide connection and support, particularly for young people who may struggle to find those connections in person. Messaging friends, joining online communities or accessing mental health resources can be valuable. The key is learning to use these tools intentionally, rather than automatically.
“The goal isn’t to give up your phone—it’s to understand how it affects you, and to make choices that keep you feeling grounded and well,” says Bell.
Finding a Healthier Balance
Whether you’re a teen or an adult, finding balance with your phone use can take practice. Here are a few of the strategies to minimize your phone use:
Know your priorities. Ask yourself what matters most before you pick up your phone.
Turn off non-essential notifications. This reduces distractions and gives you space to think clearly.
Set screen-free times. Try device-free meals or a nightly “digital sunset” before bed.
Be mindful, not reactive. Pause before you click, scroll or post — it can make a big difference.
Stay connected in person. Texting is great, but real conversation builds stronger relationships.
Phones can help us stay safe, informed and connected, but too much screen time can disrupt sleep, affect attention span and increase feelings of anxiety or isolation. The key is mindful use, not total avoidance.
Continuing the Conversation
Workshops like this one help young people think critically about their relationship with technology while giving them tools to make healthy, intentional choices.
To learn more about the workshops we deliver in local schools and community spaces, visit justusinc.ca/workshops.