Rogers introduces $50-million Screen Break to reduce youth screen time

Rogers announced a $50-million, five-year Screen Break program to fund school and community activities and annual research aimed at reducing excessive screen use among young Canadians.

Rogers announced a new $50-million, five-year Screen Break program aimed at reducing excessive screen use among young Canadians. The initiative is designed to work with families, schools and community groups and to commission ongoing research into youth screen habits. Parents and clinicians described moderating screen time as a persistent challenge, particularly for children whose online use expanded during the pandemic. Some commentators welcomed the investment while also urging broader action from other companies and governments. Key details: - Rogers said the Screen Break initiative will run over five years with a $50-million commitment to families, schools and community partners. - The program includes grants to organizations such as the YMCA, an in-school component, and annual research into screen usage. - Professional athletes, including George Springer, Connor McDavid, Marie-Philip Poulin and Sarah Nurse, are slated to speak with teens and take part in "active living" clinics in schools. - Clinical psychologist Dr. Nicole Racine and other health experts noted links between high screen time and lower physical activity, poorer sleep and reduced well-being, and welcomed the focus on research and schools. - Technology analyst Carmi Levy praised the investment for broadening the conversation but also questioned a telecom company's role given the industry's role in expanding smartphone and social media use. Summary: Rogers' Screen Break combines grant funding, school outreach led by athletes, community partnerships and planned annual research to address excessive screen use among young people. Parents and clinicians said the program responds to a real concern about impacts on sleep, activity and connectedness, while some observers said more action is needed from other industry players and governments. The program's initial steps include partner grants and in-school activities and the commissioning of research; broader policy responses are undetermined at this time.