Aysha Lafir, a Grade 12 student at J Clarke Richardson Collegiate, is making an impact when it comes to ongoing conversations about digital wellness. Recently accepted for a position with The Dais, a public policy think tank at Toronto Metropolitan University, Aysha is now serving as a Youth Champion with Screen Break, a Canada-wide initiative aimed at promoting healthier digital habits in schools.
Aysha Lafir presenting to 250 students at J. Clarke Richardson CVI
Screen Break helps students, educators, administrators, and school boards across Canada to effectively limit the personal use of phones and other devices during the school day. The initiative equips policymakers, educators, students, and parents with tools such as a Policymaker Playbook, a School Implementation Guide, and a Youth Champions Program. Each resource is designed to support informed decision-making, encourage community engagement, and ensure successful policies when it comes to using phones and other devices.
Aysha's commitment to student well-being is evident as she recently delivered a 45-minute presentation to over 250 peers at her school. Her presentation placed an emphasis on mental health, equity, and connection. As part of her work, Aysha conducted an informal survey, revealing that most students in her school use their devices for five or more hours daily. Surprisingly, she also found that many of her peers expressed neutral or positive views about the new cell phone rules introduced by Ontario school boards in September 2024.
When asked what message she hopes students took away from her presentation, Aysha said:
"I want them to remember that they have a choice. The choices they make can help build healthier relationship with technology, including their phones. They also have a voice - they can be a leader, have say in decision-making and policy change, and make a positive impact on their peers and communities."
Through her work with The Dais, Aysha is helping shape a future where students are empowered to take control of their digital lives while thriving in all aspects of their school and personal journeys.
