Joanna Conrad

04/16/2026

I had the opportunity this morning to speak on a radio segment about youth social media bans and online safety.

It’s a complex issue—and one that deserves more than a simple solution.

While the idea of banning social media for youth may sound effective in theory, early results from places like Australia suggest otherwise. Many young people are still accessing these platforms, just in different ways—often with less supervision.

That raises an important question:
Are we solving the problem… or simply shifting it?

In my work with youth and families, I see firsthand that the issue isn’t just access—it’s how young people are navigating these spaces.

There is no switch that flips at 16 that suddenly makes a young person “ready” for the online world.

If we want to meaningfully reduce harm, the focus should be on:

-Supporting parents with tools and guidance
-Building digital literacy and resilience in youth
-Holding platforms accountable for how they engage young users

Technology isn’t going anywhere. Our approach needs to reflect that.

Sharing the interview clip below—curious to hear others’ thoughts on this.

Kyle Horner is joined by Joanna Conrad from Youth Diversion to talk about what this could mean for families.

03/28/2026

03/28/2026

We’ve known for years these platforms are addictive—especially for kids.

Parents are being asked to manage something incredibly powerful, often without support. What we’re seeing at home—tantrums, tears, constant conflict—isn’t just “screen time”… it’s the impact of platforms designed to keep kids hooked.

Hopefully, these landmark decisions don’t just hold companies accountable—but also give parents the confidence and backing to say no.

03/22/2026

03/04/2026

I had the opportunity to speak with CTV News about something we’re seeing more often with youth — digital spending that feels invisible until the bill arrives.

From gaming purchases to online subscriptions and buy-now-pay-later services, many young people are making financial decisions long before they fully understand the consequences.

That’s why we developed Money Smarts for Life, a hands-on program that helps youth and young adults build real-world financial skills — from budgeting and credit basics to avoiding scams and managing money under stress.

Financial literacy isn’t just about numbers.
It’s about confidence, decision-making, and independence.

Grateful to partners like RBC and our community supporters who recognize that prevention and education give young people the tools to succeed.

Watch the interview and read the story below.

03/03/2026

Expanding access to an important conversation.

Today I recorded a studio version of The Good, The Bad & The Ugly of Social Media & Your Kid.

Over the past several years, I’ve delivered this presentation live to schools and parent communities across our region. The demand continues to grow — and not every community can host an in-person session.

Recording a professional webinar allows this conversation to reach more families, more boards, and more communities — while preserving the integrity of the content.

These issues aren’t going away.

And neither is the need for informed, practical digital parenting leadership.

Looking forward to sharing the finished version soon.

02/27/2026

One thing I’ve learned: parents aren’t resistant to these conversations — they’re relieved to have them.

When we talk about social media, group chats, AI, online pressure, and digital behaviour, I don’t see defensiveness. I see parents leaning in. Asking questions. Wanting to understand.

Most aren’t looking to control their child’s world — they’re trying to protect it.

Grateful to partner with schools like Hetherington P.S. who prioritize proactive parent education and prevention-focused conversations.

02/05/2026

I spend a lot of time talking with parents, schools, and community partners about what’s happening behind the screen for kids and youth.
Social media can be a powerful tool for connection—but group chats, screenshots, and digital pressure can quickly become overwhelming, and many parents don’t see it until there’s already harm done.

This is why I continue delivering The Good, The Bad & The Ugly of Social Media and Your Kid—to help parents better understand the digital world their children are navigating and feel more confident responding when issues arise.
If your school, parent council, or organization is looking to support families with practical, prevention-focused education, I’d be happy to connect.

Your child’s online world is bigger than you think.

Group chats. Screenshots. Digital drama.

These are the spaces where kids are connecting—but also where things can go wrong quickly.

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly of Social Media and Your Kid helps parents understand what’s really happening behind the screen and how to respond with confidence—not panic.

✔️ Real stories
✔️ Real risks parents don’t always see
✔️ Practical tools you can use tonight

Available for parent councils, schools & community groups.

Book a presentation: info@essexcountydiversion.com

🌐 www.ecyouthdiversion.c

01/28/2026

Today’s radio conversation explored why social media use can look and feel addictive — particularly for children and youth.
Understanding how these platforms are designed is essential for informed parenting, sound policy, and meaningful conversations about digital safety.
This is a space where public awareness, regulation, and family-level decision-making intersect.

12/16/2025

In this interview, host Lana Doan sits down with Joanna Conrad, BA Hons, Executive Director of Youth Diversion Program in Windsor-Essex County to discuss int...