Technology touches every part of family life. This section shares practical resources to help families build healthy digital habits, navigate online challenges together, and create positive technology experiences.
Looking for more? You’ll find practical resources throughout the Cyber Awareness Month website, including strengthening your own cybersecurity habits, creating positive online interactions, and understanding how to use AI responsibly.
Technology is an important part of life.
It helps us learn, create, stay connected, share experiences, solve problems, and have fun. Families use technology every day to communicate, support learning, explore interests, and strengthen relationships with friends and loved ones.
While technology offers many benefits, it is important to use it in healthy and balanced ways. Because devices are always close by, it can sometimes be difficult to make time for sleep, physical activity, face-to-face conversations, and other important parts of life.
Healthy digital habits start with open conversations. Families who talk regularly about technology are better prepared to manage challenges such as screen time, online safety, social media, digital wellbeing, and new technology.
When families work together, technology can be a positive tool that supports learning, connection, safety, and wellbeing.
Explore the Resources
The videos, infographics, and links on this page will help you learn about:
- Screen time and balance
- Family technology agreements
- Digital wellbeing and healthy routines
- Online safety at home
- Age-appropriate technology use
- Building positive digital habits together
Helpful Videos
Helpful Infographics
Balance and Boundaries
What Does Balance Look Like?
Balanced screen use means enjoying technology without letting it take over everyday life. Screens can help people learn new skills, stay in touch with others, and have fun. It is also important to make time for sleep, physical activity, hobbies, schoolwork, and face to face time with family and friends.
Set Boundaries
If we are online, we need to pay attention to how screen time affects our mood, energy, happiness, and daily routines. If technology is getting in the way of sleep, responsibilities, relationships, or other activities, it may be time to take a break and reset.
Take Care of Yourself
Healthy digital habits are about finding a balance that works for the whole family.
Take Care of Your Mind
Too much screen time can affect mood, focus, and mental wellbeing. Regular breaks, healthy routines, and conversations with trusted adults can help.
Take Care of Your Body
Healthy habits include getting enough sleep, spending time outdoors, being physically active, and taking breaks from screens throughout the day.
Take Care of Your People
Being a good digital citizen means looking out for others. Notice when someone may need help and talk to a trusted adult right away if something online seems unsafe, hurtful, or unfair.
Common Online Risks
- Too much screen time
- Difficulty balancing online and offline activities
- Disagreements about technology use
- Keeping up with new apps, games, and online trends
- Encouraging safe technology use while respecting privacy
- Knowing when and how to talk about online challenges
Conversation Starters for Families
- What activities can families enjoy together away from screens?
- How can healthy boundaries be created around device use?
- When does technology help, and when might it be time for a break?
- How can family members support one another in building healthy digital habits?
- Which trusted adults can help when challenges arise?
Healthy digital habits work best when families build them together. Small conversations, shared expectations, and positive examples can help create a healthy relationship with technology that supports learning, connection, and wellbeing.
Helpful Links
- Cybertip.ca Online Harms Resources
- Public Safety Canada – Support Resources for Cyberbullying
- Government of Canada: Report a Cyber Incident
- Find a school board or school authority | ontario.ca
Explore the Other Themes
Build confidence, good judgment, and digital habits that last a lifetime.
Create digital spaces where everyone feels safe and included.
Learn how to use AI safely and responsibly.