Online Safety Speaker
Empowering parents to delay
A leading voice in Nova Scotia, challenging the normalization of early smartphones and social media, and driving a movement that empowers families to delay, protect childhood, and choose safer alternatives.
It's not about rejecting technology, but about introducing it intentionally, at developmentally appropriate stages, and alongside strong digital literacy.
About
Tech Insider Turned Childhood Advocate
With two decades of experience building technology products, I have seen firsthand how smartphones and social media platforms are built to be addictive. This has shaped how I parent and I am passionate about helping educate parents on the impact early smartphone and social media use has on youth and empower them to delay with safer alternatives.
20+ Years in Tech
Built mobile apps, AI products, and social media content monitoring tools, therefore I deeply understand how these platforms are engineered to capture attention and what harmful content can proliferate.
Legislative Advocate
Consulted on and advocated for legislation protecting youth, including age minimums for social media in Nova Scotia and at the national level.
Unplugged Canada
Volunteer with Unplugged Canada and co-founder of the Nova Scotia Chapter, advocating for parents to delay smartphones and social media.
What I Advocate For
Research-backed approaches to raising healthier, happier kids in the digital age.
Delay Smartphones & Social Media
Wait until high school before introducing smartphones and social media. Let kids get through puberty and have time to develop emotional resilience and social skills in the real world first.
Bell-to-Bell Phone-Free Schools
Schools should be phone-free from first bell to last. Students learn better, connect more deeply with peers, and experience fewer distractions when phones are away the entire day.
More Independence & Free Play
Children need unstructured time outdoors, opportunities to take risks, and the freedom to play independently. This builds confidence, creativity, and resilience.
Organizations I Support
Services
Speaking Engagements
Bringing research-backed insights and practical strategies to schools, communities, and conferences across Nova Scotia.
School Presentations
Interactive sessions for students, parents and educators at public and private schools across Nova Scotia.
Community Events
Engaging talks for parent groups, community organizations, and local associations focused on navigating the digital world with kids.
Conference Speaking
Keynotes and workshops at local and regional conferences on practical tools and techniques for changing the norm.
10+
Presentations in 2025
2,000+
Parents & Educators reached
20+
Years in Technology
Topics
What I Cover
Evidence-based content tailored to parents, educators, and community members who want to understand and address digital challenges.
The Research on Harm
Understanding the direct and indirect harms of early smartphone and social media use on youth mental health and development.
Alternatives to Consider
Exploring age-appropriate device options and strategies for delaying smartphone access that provides kids independance and connection to parents and friends.
Parental Controls
Practical guidance on tools and settings to help navigate the digital space as safely as possible.
Free Play & Independence
Strategies for giving kids more independence and unstructured play in the real world.
Phone-Free School Policies
Advice and resources for parents and schools advocating for bell-to-bell phone-free policies.
Practical Implementation
Actionable steps families can take today to create healthier relationships with technology.
Featured On
Speaking
Speaking & Engagements
In 2025, I participated in over 10 presentations across Nova Scotia, reaching parents, educators and students with research about the impacts of smartphones and social media on youth and alternatives parents can consider, providing practical tools for creating a healthy relationship and boundaries with technology.
- Public and Private Schools Presentations across Nova Scotia
- Provincial Teachers Conference
- Local Parent Organization Events
- University Guest Lecturer
- International Online Safety & Children Wellbeing Podcasts
What Parents Are Saying
Since attending Jenna's talk in November, I've recieved full support from my admin to share resources about the impacts of smartphones and social media with our parent community in school-wide weekly newsletters!
I am very happy to see this work being done here in NS! I’m in the process of leaving public education after 27 years as things are just so difficult and the focus remains on academics when we need to be taking a different approach. So hats off on this important work!!
Jenna's presentation at HPCS was excellent. I'd previously read The Anxious Generation and she really summarized and expanded on it well
Featured On
Podcast Appearances
Sharing insights and practical advice on online safety across various platforms.
Scrolling2Death
with Nicki
Discuss perspectives on raising kids in a hyper-connected world, why we chose a different path, and how families can reclaim balance in their lives.
The Superwoman Code
with Dr. Ashley Margeson
Discuss how smartphones are changing social development, attention spans, and play, with practical strategies for parents navigating the phone decision.
TECHnically Parenting
with Pinwheels
Discuss the challenges of parenting and tools designed to assist parents in navigating the complexities of raising children in a digital world.
Contact
Book a Presentation
Interested in bringing an online safety presentation to your school or community? Get in touch to discuss your needs.
Let's Connect
Whether you represent a school, parent group, or community organization, I would love to hear from you. Fill out the form and I will get back to you within 48 hours.