EKO - Don't Miss our Advance Keynote Presentation

Program Partner: CHEO

It took a few minutes to get everyone in ... but once we got going, our EKO Spring Symposium 2025 Advance Keynote speakers gave us so much to think (and laugh) about!

Hundreds of people joined from across Ontario and Canada to learn from CHEO’s Dr. Michael Cheng and Frances Haugen as they discussed what we need to know about social media platforms, and how professionals and parents can support all kids in the world of online connection.

Engagement was high (even with some slight tech hiccups)! Pre-submitted and live audience questions drove an impactful conversation that left us with valuable insight and practical guidance to apply both personally and professionally.

Here are a few highlights from Frances and Dr. Michael Cheng:

We have to stop trying to solve tech with tech—real safety comes from human connection.
Kids have the power to control their algorithms, make sure they do!
The medical shift towards precision care (and away from one-size-fits-all models) can and should be applied to online spaces. Get to know your kids' wellbeing needs on an individual level.
Technology can be a lifeline for kids with disabilities and developmental needs, offering new ways to connect. But without balance, it can become a barrier.
The key isn’t just reducing screen time. It’s helping kids rediscover meaning and joy outside the digital world.

We want to thank our keynote speakers for their time and for sharing their experiences, Lloyd Rang for keeping such a dynamic conversation going, and our audience for your participation and engaging questions.

And a very special thank you to CHEO, Program Partner: Advance Keynote.

Frances Haugen

Data scientist and engineer, former Facebook employee and whistleblower, Advocate for accountability and transparency in social media

In 2021, Frances Haugen exposed thousands of internal Facebook documents, revealing that the company was aware of the harm caused by its product but still prioritized profit over safety. Her revelations sparked a broad discussion on the imperative for democratic governments to regulate social media platforms. She has emerged as a prominent advocate on the global stage, championing policies aimed at enhancing accountability and transparency within technology firms, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding children’s online well-being.

Dr. Michael Cheng, O.Ont.

CHEO Child & Family Psychiatrist and Associate Professor, University of Ottawa

Dr. Cheng supports families coping with modern society, helping them (re)attach to nature, people, and all that gives them purpose and meaning. He co-founded eMentalHealth.ca, which provides mental health information and resources to families and professionals. As a parent, he knows first-hand the challenge of staying connected to nature and to fellow humans in an increasingly virtual world. Dr. Cheng speaks on a wide variety of topics including child and youth mental health, technology and mental health, nature, self-regulation, and self-compassion.

Lloyd Rang - moderator

Lloyd Rang is an award-winning writer, strategic consultant, communications leader, entrepreneur and one of Canada’s top speechwriters. He has written for government and business leaders and celebrities around the world, has been a pundit on television and in print, has led corporate workshops in communications and has written for a number of high-profile publications. As President and Narrative Lead at Curious Public, Lloyd gives advice and insight on strategy, content and tactics to clients across the public and corporate sectors.

Lloyd is also the Councillor for Ward 2 in Clarington.

Program Partner: CHEO

Frances Haugen

Dr. Michael Cheng, O.Ont.

Lloyd Rang - moderator

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