The Morden Collegiate Institute Parent Advisory Council is hosting a presentation designed to address concerns about screen time and its impact on children’s mental health. Clinical psychologist Dr. Buhler will lead the session, offering insights and practical tools for parents. The event is scheduled for Wednesday at 7:00 PM in the MCI library.
Expert guidance from Dr. Jeremiah Buhler
Dr. Buhler is an assistant professor at the University of Manitoba and a clinical psychologist with Southern Health. His expertise lies in child and adolescent mental health, making him well-equipped to help families navigate the challenges of modern technology.
Addressing real-world challenges
“We’re all trying to figure out how to deal with this,” said Liz Reimer, a member of the MCI Parent Advisory Council. “Kids today spend way too much time on screens. It’s not like when we were in school and bullying ended at 3:30 PM. Now, it can continue at 2:00 AM. It’s overwhelming for both kids and parents.”
Reimer explained that the session isn’t about placing blame but about finding solutions. “It’s not about saying you’re a bad parent if your kid spends a lot of time on screens. It’s about giving parents tools to reduce screen time and ensure it’s beneficial for their kids’ mental health,” she added.
Open to all caregivers
This presentation is not limited to parents of Morden Collegiate students. It is open to parents, guardians, and caregivers in the broader community. “This is a universal issue,” Reimer said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re from Morden, Winkler, Plum Coulee, or anywhere else. We’re all struggling with the same thing—screen time.”
Personal insights from the advisory council
Reimer shared her own experiences as a parent, highlighting the challenges of raising children in a tech-driven world. “Even when kids come over to our house, it’s not just the TV. They bring their own devices, and sometimes the basement is full of kids, each on their own screen,” she said. “This presentation will help parents better understand these challenges and how to guide their kids in healthier ways.”
A meaningful opportunity for families
Dr. Buhler’s engaging approach and deep understanding of child mental health make this event especially valuable. Parents and caregivers attending the presentation will leave with actionable strategies for managing screen time, addressing bullying, and supporting their children’s well-being.
The event is free to attend, and no registration is required. For more information, visit the Morden Collegiate Institute section on the Western School Division website.