Raising Kids in a Digital World: A Community Workshop for Parents & Youth

Brandie Sanders, MA (Forensic Psych), RP, Manager of Clinical Services, New Path Youth & Family Services Pronouns: she/her

🕕 6:00–7:30 PM 📍 Collingwood Public Library, Third Floor

Join us for a powerful, community-based learning event co-hosted by The Academy of South Georgian Bay and New Path Youth & Family Services.

This 90-minute interactive workshop brings parents and youth together to understand how devices impact wellbeing, communication, and healthy development, and to take real action toward building healthier digital habits at home.

We’ll begin with a 30-minute talk from Brandie Sanders (MA, RP), Manager of Clinical Services at New Path, followed by a Q&A and hands-on, family-driven activities. Youth will take the lead in prototyping their ideal “useful and healthy” device, while parents craft a shared Family Tech Manifesto they can implement immediately.

Whether your family is exploring The Academy or simply wants support navigating technology with intention, all are welcome. It truly takes a village.

Technology is evolving rapidly, and so is childhood. As parents, caregivers, and educators, we’re navigating uncharted territory. How do we support healthy development, connection, confidence, and independence in a world filled with infinite screens?

Join us for a collaborative community workshop presented by The Academy of South Georgian Bay and New Path Youth & Family Services, designed for parents and youth (ages 10–18 recommended).

• A 30-minute talk from clinical leader Brandie Sanders (MA, RP). Brandie will share insights from her work in youth mental health, including:

- How devices shape behaviour and brain development

– What healthy attachment looks like in a digital world

– How families can reduce conflict and build better communication

– Practical strategies for supporting resilience and autonomy

• Live Q&A: Bring your questions, challenges, and real-life scenarios.

• Interactive Family Breakouts Youth will step into a leadership role—designing a prototype of their ideal helpful device and mapping out what healthy technology looks like for them. Parents will develop a Family Tech Manifesto, outlining boundaries, rituals, and shared commitments.

• Collaborative Share-Back We’ll bring families together to highlight takeaways, celebrate insights, and build momentum as a community.

Why We’re Hosting This Event

At The Academy of South Georgian Bay, we believe a great school is built with its community, not for it. Our mission extends beyond the classroom: to support families, uplift young people, and help us all navigate this new era of learning and living with confidence.

This workshop is part of our commitment to:

🌱 Build community before our doors open

🤝 Create spaces for families to learn and grow together

💬 Strengthen youth voice and leadership

🛠️ Equip parents with practical tools they can use immediately

❤️ Support our children with intention, compassion, and evidence-informed approaches.

Your family does not need to consider enrollment to attend. If you care about raising resilient, grounded young people in a digital world, you belong here.

Thank you to the Town of Collingwood for their support in enabling this event to run.

Also check out other Workshops in Collingwood, Kids events & activities in Collingwood, Health & Wellness events in Collingwood.