New parent-led initiative at John T. Tuck PS brings families together on healthy tech use

Families at John T. Tuck Public School have launched the Connected Community Collective, a parent-led initiative that brings schools and families together to help children find balance with screens and social media. 

The launch event on Oct. 30 gathered parents/guardians in the school gym for a screening of research-informed perspectives on youth, technology and well-being, followed by age-based discussion groups. The school supported planning, promotion and space so families could connect and share practical approaches that work at home.

“Helping kids and families navigate the challenges of technology and screen time takes community action, not just individual effort,” said Connected Community Collective co-organizer and John T. Tuck parent Roxanne Torbiak. 

Co-organizer Heather McNeil said the goal is to focus on simple, evidence-based steps families can take together. “Individually, we can create boundaries around healthy screen time for ourselves and our children. These things help, but the issue is so much bigger than what we can do on our own.” The Collective invites families to move from parallel conversations at home to shared commitments across the community. 

Working with School Council president Freda Vanopoulos and Principal Mareika Smith, the group chose John T. Tuck PS as a pilot site to test resources and formats that make collaboration easier for busy families. Early feedback from families with children from Kindergarten to the older grades will shape future sessions and tools that schools can adapt. 

“The partnership has been strong from the start,” said the organizers. “John T. Tuck has helped us connect with families by providing meeting space and sharing information in the principal’s weekly newsletter.” 

The effort aligns with the HDSB’s commitment to Mental Health and Well-Being and Learning, Engagement and Achievement, and highlights the power of strong  connections and partnerships between schools and families in supporting student success.

Next steps include more parent meetups, student-led ideas that promote play and offline connection, and continued collaboration with school staff. The organizers also look forward to broader conversations with policymakers about how communities can help protect and support children online. 

The Connected Community Collective reflects the HDSB’s commitment to authentic partnerships with families and the wider community so every student can learn, engage and achieve. Families at John T. Tuck PS interested in getting involved can watch for updates in school communications.