Date & Time
Monday, April 20, 2026, 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Time
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Location Name
Grand Ballroom West/Centre
Name
Plenary: Supporting Children and Youth in Digital Spaces – The Online Harms Act
Description
As digital technologies increasingly shape childhood and adolescence, understanding and mitigating online harms and mental health impacts has become a critical and interwoven issue, from parenting and pediatrics to pedagogy and policymaking.
This keynote examines the latest Canadian evidence on risks facing young people - from social media's impact to emerging AI concerns - and explores Canada's evolving public policy landscape, including urgent efforts to advance an Online Safety Act. Far from a domain for experts, children's online safety 'takes a village', with opportunities for the CMHO community to advance this work through local organizing, advocacy, and coalition building across Ontario and Canada.
Speakers
André Côté - The Dais @ Toronto Metropolitan University
Nicholas Watters - Knowledge Institute on Child and Youth Mental Health and Addictions
Nicholas Watters - Knowledge Institute on Child and Youth Mental Health and Addictions