Program Partner: CHEO

The EKO Spring Symposium is all about addressing the biggest issues on the horizon. That’s exactly what our Advance Keynote will do.

As social media has proliferated worldwide, so too have concerns over how the platforms are affecting individual and collective wellbeing. These concerns are now the subject of legal and legislative action in countries around the world, including Ontario and Canada. We’ve invited two renowned experts to talk with us about just how healthy or unhealthy social media is for our kids. 

Thinking Creatively About Online Harms for Children and Youth
with Frances Haugen and Dr. Michael Cheng, O.Ont.

Wednesday March 26, 2025
12:00 – 1:20 pm

We’re connected through Instagram, Google+, LinkedIn, X, YouTube and Facebook. Social media is a powerful mode of communication—these platforms offer convenience and connection and are even used for clinical intervention—a safe space to be supported in moderated chats.

But as the saying goes: You can have too much of a good thing.
There is a growing body of literature showing a correlation between social media use and depression, anxiety, cyberbullying, body image issues, poor academic performance, low self-esteem, feelings of isolation, eating disorders, suicidal tendencies—problems fueled by the intentionally addictive design of social networking platforms.

A 2019 Ruderman Family Foundation report found students with disabilities were more likely than typically developing students to experience higher highs and lower lows when using social media. Students with disabilities said they are more likely to find support and felt better about themselves when using social media. They were also 1.8 times more likely to be victims and 1.7 times more likely to be perpetrators of cyberbullying; the connection for depressive symptoms and suicide ideation was also particularly strong for these students.

Frances Haugen and Dr. Michael Cheng talk about what we need to know about social media platforms, and how can professionals and parents can support kids with disabilities and developmental needs in the world of online connection.