Smartphone, dumbphone, kosherphone, anglophone, francophone: How Canadian Jews are trying to find a healthy relationship with their devices

Not in Heaven · May 14, 2026 · 44m

Most parents share concerns about rising rates of depression, anxiety, and social disconnection among younger generations, especially how those issues intersect with increased time spent on smartphones and social media platforms. But what's the solution?

Countries around the world, including Canada, are attempting various models of school cell phone bans. But evidence of their effectiveness has been mixed. Just last week, the U.S. National Bureau of Economic Research released the largest study ever of school cell phone bans, looking at data from about 4,600 schools across the country. While…