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Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions

Sessions for Pa​rents/Guardians

The HDSB hosts mental health & well-being information sessions for parents/guardians throughout the year. These sessions cover specific topics based on feedback from parents/guardians. Each session is led by a mental health expert in that area who will share their knowledge and provide helpful information and resources.​

Registration is required for these sessions as limited spots are available. For virtual sessions, registrants will be emailed a Google Meet link to access the session. Captioning in various languages is available. 

Upcoming Sessions

Explore upcoming mental health and well-being information sessions for parents and caregivers. These sessions provide practical strategies, information and resources to support children, youth and families.

Oct. 22, 2026

Beyond the Screen: Social Media, Gaming & Gambling – What Parents Need to Know

Time: 6:30–7:45 p.m.

Location: Halton Regional Centre, 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville

Format: In person

Learn about emerging digital concerns, healthy online habits and practical strategies to support children and youth.

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Social media, gaming and gambling are part of the increasingly complex digital world children and youth navigate. Whether you want to stay informed, prevent problems before they start, or are concerned about your child's current online behaviours, this event is for you.

Join professionals from Halton Regional Police Service, ADAPT and Halton Region Public Health for an informative and practical conversation.

Topics include:

  • Emerging concerns related to social media, gaming and gambling
  • Building healthy digital habits
  • Signs to watch for and when to be concerned
  • Practical strategies parents and caregivers can use at home
  • Where to find additional support and resources

Presenters: Jerico Ambrad (ADAPT), Sgt. Kyle Gibson (HRPS) and Julia Brdarevic (Halton Region Public Health).

Community resources: Information booths will be available from 6–8 p.m. Meet local service providers, ask questions and learn about available supports.

Please enter through the main entrance of the Halton Regional Centre.

Register for This Session
Oct. 28, 2026

Halton ADAPT – Exploring Our Services

Time: 6:30–7:30 p.m.

Location: Virtual

Discover the free services offered by Halton ADAPT and learn how individuals, families and friends can access support.

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ADAPT is a non-profit, community-based outpatient addiction treatment agency. All services offered by ADAPT are free of charge.

Explore services offered to individuals, family members and friends, and learn how to connect with support.

Services include, but are not limited to, alcohol, drugs, mental health, withdrawal management, nicotine replacement, technology overuse, overspending and gambling.

Presenter: Sara Thrower, Halton ADAPT.

Register for This Session
Nov. 12, 2026

"Just One More!" When Kids and Teens Can't Stop Wanting More

Time: 6:30–7:30 p.m.

Location: Virtual

Explore how overspending can affect youth and learn prevention strategies families can use to encourage healthy spending habits.

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From toys and collectibles to the latest clothes, skincare products, online shopping and in-app purchases, it can sometimes feel like kids and teens are always asking for something new. For older kids and teens, spending can also happen quickly and easily through apps, online games and digital platforms, sometimes without realizing how much they're spending. But when does wanting more become a concern?

This workshop explores the difference between everyday spending and problematic spending, including how shopping and spending can sometimes become ways for young people to cope with stress or difficult emotions. Parents and guardians will learn about current trends, signs that spending may be becoming a problem, and practical strategies to help children and teens develop healthier spending habits

Presenter: Scott Swiniarski, Problem Gambling and Behavioural Addictions Counsellor/Supervisor and Problem Gambling Day Treatment Lead, Halton ADAPT.

Register for This Session
Nov. 25, 2026

Caring for Grieving Children and Youth

Time: 6:30–7:30 p.m.

Location: Virtual

Gain practical tools and perspectives to better understand how children and youth experience grief and how to support them.

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Talking about death and grief can be challenging. Join this session to learn practices and perspectives that help you understand how children and youth grieve and empower you to support them.

Topics include:

  • Grief through developmental stages
  • Language to use with children
  • Supporting children through terminal diagnoses
  • Practical resources and strategies

There will be time at the end for questions and conversation.

Presenters:

Jennifer Liantzakis, CYC – Child and Youth Anticipatory Grief and Bereavement Counsellor, Acclaim Health.

Emily Daly, BA, MSW, RSW – Education Coordinator, Lighthouse for Grieving Children.

Register for This Session

 

School Mental Health Ontario - Free Webinar Series

School Mental Health Ontario is offering a free webinar series focused on important mental health and substance use health topics as identified by parents/guardians in Ontario. The expert-led webinar series provides insights and practical strategies on key topics identified by Ontario parents and caregivers. View previously delivered and upcoming webinars. 

Previous Sessions

Talking to Your Child about Mental Health, Noticing Mental Health Concerns and How to Help

Date: Monday, May 25 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. 

Presenters: Jeremy Baron, Child & Youth Care Practitioner (CYC-P) and Stephanie Wallace, Manager of Professional Services - Mental Health Lead for the HDSB

Description: Join this webinar for a deeper understanding of why talking about mental health regularly at home is important, learn practical tips on how to talk about mental health and build confidence to talk with your child about their mental health. This webinar will help parents/guardians recognize signs of a mental health concern in your child, ways you can support your child at home, where to go for help and what to do in a mental health emergency.

Caring for Grieving Children and Youth - Hosted by Lighthouse and Acclaim Health

Date: Thursday, May 21 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. 

Presenters: Jennifer Liantzakis, CYC, Child and Youth Anticipatory Grief and Bereavement Counsellor at Acclaim Health and Emily Daly, BA, MSW, RSW, Education Coordinator at Lighthouse

Description: We know that talking about death and grief was not in the parenting handbook. Join us to learn practices and perspectives that will give you an understanding of how children and youth grieve and empower you to support them. Topics will include grief through the developmental stages, language to use with children, terminal diagnoses and practical resources and strategies. There will be time at the end for questions and conversation.

Supporting Families and Loved Ones Using Substances - Hosted by Halton ADAPT

Date: Wednesday, May 20 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. 

Presenters: Chanddeep and Bailey, Adult Addictions Counsellors at Halton ADAPT

Description: Join us for an important conversation on how to support your child when they—or someone in your family—are using substances. We will share practical, compassionate strategies to help you navigate this journey, while also exploring local community resources available to support both you and your loved one.

Talking With Black Multiracial Children About Well-being and Identity

Date: Thursday, May 7 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. 

Presenters: Jodie Sawyers-Petkovich and Dessiree Black, Child & Youth Care Practitioners (CYC-P) at the HDSB 

Description: This presentation offers guidance for parents/guardians on championing the unique identity of multiracial children. Participants will learn strategies to cultivate supportive environments where children feel safe to discuss race and identity. 

Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Location: In-Person at the Halton Regional Centre (1151 Bronte Road, Oakville). Enter through the main entrance. There is free parking on site.

Description: The Halton District School Board, in partnership with Halton Region Public Health, Halton Regional Police Service and the Halton Catholic District School Board, is pleased to invite you to Growing Up Online: What Parents/Guardians Need to Know About Screen Time, Mental Health and Safety. During this in-person event, speakers will explore what is happening in children’s developing brains, online trends and safety concerns, as well as practical ways families can set healthy boundaries. Parents/guardians will learn about simple strategies, safety guidance and local resources to help their children navigate technology with greater confidence and balance. 

Recognizing and Supporting your Child’s Mental Health

Presenters: Rachel Cochrane and Sarah Ali, Master of Social Work Interns at the HDSB,  Megan Miller, Social Worker at the HDSB and Stephanie Wallace, Manager of Professional Services - Mental Health Lead at the HDSB

Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Description: This presentation supports parents/guardians in understanding stress and mental health in children and teens. Topics include common signs of stress, how stress affects the brain and body, practical strategies for healthy stress management at home, guidance on talking with children about mental health, recognizing when to seek help, responding to mental health emergencies and accessing ongoing support resources.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Supporting Mental Health and Well-Being

Presenters: Larissa Pipe and Lisa Sedore, Psychologists & Psychoeducational Consultants at the HDSB

Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Description: This session explores the connection between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and mental health by highlighting the unique stressors often experienced by adolescents with ASD. Attendees will learn practical ways to support their child in navigating these stressors and promoting positive mental health and overall well-being.

Halton ADAPT -  Tech Overuse and Digital Footprint

Date: Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. 

Presenter: Scott Swiniarski, Problem Gambling (PG) and Behavioural Addictions Counsellor/Supervisor & PG Day Treatment Lead at ADAPT

Description: This session offers insight into technology overuse, including warning signs, digital footprints, social media use and healthy tech habits. Participants will explore current trends, the impacts of overuse, online safety strategies, ways to support youth and resources for ongoing support.

Shaping How Kids Feel About Food: Mindful Language and Everyday Actions

Date: Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. 

Presenters: Halton Region Public Health 

Description: Join us for a practical and informative session designed to help parents/guardians support their child’s relationship with food in a positive, inclusive way. The presentation explores how everyday interactions—such as the words we use and the attitudes we model—can shape how children feel about eating and their bodies. This webinar will provide evidence-based guidance and resources to help influence and support positive food relationships. Key Takeaways include: 

  • Insights into body image, the impact of weight stigma and important health considerations 

  • Understanding how everyday language influences eating habits and body image. 

  • Learning practical strategies to create positive and supportive food experiences. 

Please note: This session will be hosted by Halton Region Public Health held on Zoom. Registrants will be emailed a link to access the session. 

AI, Well-Being and the Digital World

Date:  Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. 

Presenters: Lisa Pilgrim, Psychologist & Psychoeducational Consultant at the HDSB

Description: Our children spend a relatively large portion of the day connected to digital spaces. Increasingly, these spaces include aspects of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within them. There is much debate about if this is harmful for students or an opportunity to shape their futures. We will spend our time together exploring some of the key misconceptions about the online environment, helpful parenting suggestions, and considering what it means to be growing up in a digital world.

Halton ADAPT (Alcohol, Drug and Gambling Assessment, Prevention & Treatment Services) - Exploring Our Services

Date: Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Presenters: Corrie McIlveen, Canadian Certified Addictions Counsellor at Halton ADAPT

Description: ADAPT is a non-profit, community-community based, outpatient addiction treatment agency. All services offered by ADAPT are free of charge. In this session, we will explore services offered by ADAPT to individuals, family members and friends, and how to connect with these resources. Services include but are not limited to alcohol, drugs, mental health, withdrawal management, nicotine replacement, tech overuse, overspending and gambling.

Helping Your Child Build Positive Relationships and Manage Conflict 

Date: Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Presenters: Allysa Antinori and Louise Williams, Child & Youth Care Practitioners at the HDSB

Description: This workshop for parents/guardians highlights why strong relationships between parents/guardians and children are essential for healthy emotional and mental development. Attendees will learn  practical, everyday strategies to deepen your connection with your child and supportive, developmentally informed approaches to navigating conflict, fostering trust, and promoting emotional safety during challenging moments. The session also provides guidance on how to continue strengthening your relationship over time, along with additional resources to support ongoing learning and growth at home.

Executive Functions in Teens: How Parents Can Help Students Thrive

Date: Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Presenters: Larissa Pipe and Lisa Sedore, Psychologists & Psychoeducational Consultants at the HDSB

Description: Join us for an engaging and informative session exploring executive functions, the mental skills that help teens manage time, stay organized, focus attention and regulate emotions. We’ll discuss what executive functions are, how they typically develop throughout the high school years, and why this period is so important for strengthening these abilities. With a special focus on students in Grades 9–12, this session will offer practical strategies parents can use to support their teens in building strong executive functioning skills that contribute to academic success, independence and overall well-being.