Joanna Conrad

Joanna Conrad Providing info on current events and trends as they relate to kids, youth and parents.

01/31/2025

🌟 Did You Know? 🌟

Artificial Intelligence is not just a tool for learning; it can also be misused by kids to bully, humiliate, and violate others online. Understanding this duality is crucial for fostering a safe digital environment.

Join us at Monseigneur Augustin Caron CES for an insightful presentation by Joanna, where she'll explore "The Good, the Bad, and the A.I." Discover how AI influences children's behaviour online and learn effective strategies for kids to protect themselves from digital harm.

🗓️ Date: February 24, 2025
🕒 Time: 6:00 PM
📍 Location: Monseigneur Augustin Caron CES

Equip your child with the knowledge they need to navigate the digital world safely! 💻✨

01/31/2025

🌟 Did You Know? 🌟

Many children can unexpectedly encounter explicit content online, often while searching for something completely innocent. This exposure can have lasting effects on their development and understanding of relationships.

Join us at École élémentaire catholique Monseigneur-Jean-Noël for an important presentation by Joanna, where she'll discuss how children can stumble upon inappropriate content and provide essential strategies for parents to navigate these challenges effectively.

🗓️ Date: February 11, 2025
🕒 Time: 6:00 PM
📍 Location: École élémentaire catholique Monseigneur-Jean-Noël

Empower yourself with knowledge and tools to protect your child in the digital world! 💻✨

01/31/2025

🌟 Did You Know? 🌟

Research shows that excessive social media use can significantly impact children's brain development, affecting their attention spans, emotional regulation, and social skills.

Does this sound like your child? You're not alone!

Join us at Lakeshore Discovery School - Parents for an eye-opening presentation by Joanna, where she'll explore how social media is rewiring children's brains and share practical strategies for parents and educators to help mitigate these effects.

🗓️ Date: 4 February
🕒 Time: 6:00 PM
📍 Location: Lakeshore Discovery School

Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to support our children's healthy development in the digital age! 💻✨

01/31/2025

We're thrilled to share a series of upcoming presentations of "The Good, the Bad, and The Ugly of Social Media and Your Kid," led by Joanna Conrad, YD's Executive Director! 🎤✨

Joanna brings 17+ years of experience working with youth and a wealth of personal insights as a mother of three. Her delivery is a wake-up call for parents, but she does it with humour and understanding, helping us navigate the complexities of technology, understand its impact on kids, and address the pressures and risks they face online.

📅 Is your school on the list? If not, contact us to book yours now! Dates are booking up fast, so don’t wait!

Let’s empower ourselves to support our kids in this digital age! 💻❤️

01/30/2025

🌟 Youth Diversion is back with another PA Day opportunity for children ages 6 - 11! 🌟

Join us for a fun, interactive day where kids can learn valuable social skills! Don't miss out on our full-day Social Skills Program at STAG Sandwich Teen Action Group on February 14th, a PA day!

We have just a few spots left for this engaging event designed to help children enhance their social skills in a supportive environment. Open to all families, this program offers a unique chance for kids to learn, grow, and make new friends.

👉 Secure your spot today and give your child a memorable and enriching experience! 🎉

01/30/2025

🌍 Hey Parents! Let's Talk About Photo Privacy! 📸

Have you heard about GeoSpy? It's a powerful AI tool that can predict the location of photos based on what's in them—like trees, buildings, and even the distance between structures. While this technology can be fascinating, it also raises some serious concerns about privacy and safety.

Here are some conversation starters to discuss with your kids:

1. Understanding Technology: Ask your kids what they think about AI tools that can analyze photos. Do they see it as cool or concerning?

2. Privacy Awareness: Talk about the importance of being mindful of what they share online. What types of photos might reveal too much information?

3. Potential Misuse: Discuss how tools like GeoSpy can be used by people with bad intentions, such as stalkers. Why is it important to protect our personal information?

4. Digital Footprint: Explore the idea of a digital footprint. What does it mean, and how can we manage it to stay safe?

5. Empowerment Through Knowledge: Encourage your kids to think critically about technology. How can they use it responsibly while protecting their privacy?

By having these conversations, we can help our kids navigate the digital world safely and understand the implications of sharing their lives online.

Let's keep the dialogue open! 💬✨

Excited to connect with the amazing parents from Talbot Trail Public School tonight! 🌟 Our pre-session survey revealed s...
01/29/2025

Excited to connect with the amazing parents from Talbot Trail Public School tonight! 🌟 Our pre-session survey revealed some great insights:

✅ Most know the 13+ age minimum for major social media platforms
✅ Top privacy priorities are limiting visibility, disabling DMs, reviewing settings, and turning off location
✅ Parents agree it's impossible to fully prevent cyberbullying and kids should never share location online

Looking forward to diving deeper into online safety strategies and answering your questions!

Let's make it a great session. 💻🤝

01/28/2025

📢 A MUST-ATTEND EVENT FOR FAMILIES!

From Likes to Limits
The Good, The Bad &

🎤 Presented by Joanna Conrad
Executive Director | College Instructor | Speaker | Advocate
With 16+ years of experience in the digital world, Joanna has guided thousands of families through the challenges of social media and digital safety.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Designed for Families to Attend Together!
This interactive session offers a unique opportunity to explore the digital world from both kids’ and parents’ perspectives.

🔎 What You’ll Discover:
✅ How to balance screen time & set healthy digital boundaries
✅ The risks of oversharing & how to
✅ The truth about social media pressures & online reputation
✅ The most concerning apps & platforms for kids
✅ AI’s role in social media & online risks
✅ How to create a family tech plan that works

🎁 Bonus for Schools & Organizations!
✔ Pre-event survey quiz to spark engagement
✔ Promo materials for online & print (12x18 posters included!)
✔ Take-home digital resource for families
✔ Informative handouts at the event

📅 Book this engaging family-friendly presentation today!
💡 Empower your school community with the tools to navigate social media safely.

📩 Contact us now to schedule!
[email protected]
(519) 253-3340

01/28/2025

📢 PARENTS, ARE YOU PREPARED?

THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE UGLY of Social Media & Your Kid

🎤 Presented by Joanna Conrad
Executive Director | College Instructor | Speaker | Advocate
With 16+ years of experience in the digital world, Joanna has helped thousands of parents, students, and organizations navigate the impact of social media.

🔎 What You’ll Learn:
✅ How to communicate better with your kids about social media
✅ The real dangers: sexting, sextortion, explicit content & more
✅ The most dangerous apps & platforms every parent should know
✅ The latest concerns with AI & online risks
✅ Practical strategies to set online boundaries at home

🎁 Bonus for Schools & Organizations!
✔ Pre-event survey quiz to engage your community
✔ Promo materials for online & print (12x18 posters included!)
✔ Take-home digital resources for parents
✔ Informative handouts at the event

📅 Book this must-attend presentation today!
💡 Give your school community the knowledge to keep kids safe.

📩 Contact us now to schedule!
[email protected]
(519) 253-3340

01/26/2025

🚨 Parental Controls: A False Sense of Security? 🚨

Parents, did you know that the parental controls on your child’s devices might not be as foolproof as they seem? A recent study found that kids can bypass restrictions on Apple devices, especially when using third-party apps like YouTube or Spotify. 😱 Even with screen time limits and content filters in place, children were able to access disturbing content or continue using apps after their time was up.

This highlights an important truth: parental controls alone aren’t enough to keep kids safe online. While these tools are helpful, they can create a false sense of security if we rely on them too much.

So, what can we do instead? Here are some best strategies to create a safer and healthier digital environment for our kids:

✅ Set Clear Rules Together: Collaborate with your child to create specific guidelines for device use. For example, agree on screen time limits, device-free hours, or where devices should be kept at night.

✅ Use Parental Controls Wisely: Customize settings to block inappropriate apps, restrict in-app purchases, and limit screen time. But remember, these tools are just one part of the solution.

✅ Monitor and Engage: Take an active role in your child’s digital life. Check in on what they’re watching or playing, ask open-ended questions, and participate in their online experiences.

✅ Teach Digital Responsibility: Help your child understand why certain rules are in place. Explain the risks of excessive screen time or inappropriate content, and encourage them to make responsible choices.

✅ Be Consistent with Consequences: If rules are broken, address it constructively. For repeated violations, gradually increase time-out periods to reinforce the importance of boundaries.

Remember, no app or setting can replace active parenting and open communication. Let’s work together to teach our kids how to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. 💻✨

What strategies have worked for you in managing your child’s screen time? Share your tips below! 👇

01/24/2025

Braving the cold to show our support for athletes with special needs who push themselves out of their comfort zones, smash critics and conquer! Especially our girl, Vivi!!! 💪🏻 🐻‍❄️ 🥶

🥰
01/21/2025

🥰

🌟 Heartwarming Post 🌟

A huge shoutout to our incredible staff member, Sam, whose unwavering support has made a lasting impact on a young person’s life! 💙

A proud mom recently shared her gratitude, crediting Sam’s dedication and guidance as a key part of her son's journey to success. 🙌

At Youth Diversion, we are honoured to play even a small role in helping young people achieve their goals and build brighter futures. ✨

To Sam and all our amazing team members: thank you for making a difference every single day! 💪

01/20/2025

Have you ever talked to your kids about why social media feels so hard to put down? 🤔 Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat are designed to keep us scrolling—they use algorithms and features that trigger our brain’s reward system, making them addictive by design. 📱💡

This isn’t just about screen time—it’s about understanding how these platforms work and the impact they can have on our mental health, focus, and relationships.

Start the conversation with your kids:

- Why do you think social media is so hard to stop using?
- How does it make you feel after spending time on it?
- What could we do to take control of our time online instead of letting it control us?

Let’s empower our kids to think critically about their digital habits and build healthier relationships with technology. 💬✨

What are your thoughts? How do you approach this topic with your family? Let’s share ideas below! 👇

01/19/2025

🚨 Parents, let’s talk about social media, personal choices, and consequences 🚨

A flight attendant recently lost her dream job after posting a twerking video on her personal social media during a layover. The video went viral, and while she says it was meant to celebrate her achievements, her employer fired her for violating their social media policy. She now regrets the decision, saying, “I never thought a single moment would cost me everything.”

This story is a powerful reminder for all of us—and especially for our kids—about the risks of posting for “likes” without thinking about the long-term consequences. Here are some key points to discuss with your kids:

1️⃣ Social media is forever. Once something is online, it’s out of your control. Even a “harmless” post can be misinterpreted or have unintended consequences.

2️⃣ Companies and schools have policies for a reason. Whether it’s at work, school, or even in personal time, what we post reflects on us—and sometimes on the organizations we’re part of.

3️⃣ Think about your online reputation. Every post contributes to the image you’re creating of yourself. Is this how you want to be seen by future employers, teachers, or even friends?

This isn’t about fear—it’s about being thoughtful and intentional with what we share online. Let’s help our kids understand that the urge to go viral or get “likes” isn’t worth risking their dreams or reputation.

How do you talk to your kids about being responsible on social media? Let’s share ideas below! 👇

01/19/2025

🚨 Parents, let’s talk about the dangers of AI and digital boundaries 🚨

Have you seen those viral AI apps that create fake videos of people kissing or hugging without their consent? These apps are being advertised on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, and they’re raising serious ethical concerns. While they might seem harmless or even funny at first glance, they’re part of a troubling trend: the normalization of nonconsensual digital content creation.

Here’s why this matters:

These apps allow users to upload photos of anyone and generate fake videos of them in intimate situations—no consent required.
It’s not just celebrities being targeted. Imagine someone using your child’s or your own photo for this. It’s a violation of personal boundaries.
Experts warn that this trend trivializes consent and could pave the way for more harmful uses, like deepfake po*******hy or even child exploitation material.
This is a Pandora’s box of ethical and societal issues. It’s crucial to have conversations with our kids about:
1️⃣ Respecting others’ boundaries online and offline.
2️⃣ The dangers of sharing personal photos.
3️⃣ How to critically evaluate the apps and content they engage with.

Let’s teach our kids to be responsible digital citizens in a world where AI is blurring the lines between reality and manipulation.

What do you think? How would you start this conversation with your kids? Let’s discuss below. 👇

01/19/2025

🚨 Parents, let’s talk about app bans, data privacy, and Gen Z’s digital habits 🚨

With TikTok facing a U.S. ban, millions of users are flocking to RedNote, another Chinese-owned app. But here’s the thing: banning one app doesn’t stop the cycle. Another platform always pops up to take its place—just like we’ve seen before with apps like Omegle and others.

For Gen Z, the bigger picture isn’t about data privacy. Many aren’t concerned about their data being collected by Chinese companies because they’re already using phones, cars, and tech made in China. For them, the need to share and have a platform to speak on outweighs concerns about who’s gathering their data.

So, how can parents talk to their kids about this constant app-hopping? Here are some conversation starters:

1️⃣ Ask them why they’re drawn to these platforms. Is it about connection, creativity, or staying relevant? Understanding their “why” can help guide the conversation.

2️⃣ Discuss the risks of oversharing. Even if they don’t care about data privacy, remind them that what they post can have long-term consequences for their reputation and opportunities.

3️⃣ Talk about critical thinking. Encourage them to question how these platforms operate, who owns them, and what they’re agreeing to when they sign up.

4️⃣ Balance freedom with awareness. It’s not about scaring them—it’s about helping them make informed choices while still enjoying the platforms they love.

Gen Z is shaping the future of digital culture, but it’s up to us as parents to help them navigate it responsibly. How do you approach these conversations with your kids? Let’s share ideas below! 👇

🌟 Excited to reflect on Youth Diversion’s latest presentation delivery, which included not just kids, but their parents ...
01/15/2025

🌟 Excited to reflect on Youth Diversion’s latest presentation delivery, which included not just kids, but their parents as well! 🌟

Our primary focus has always been on empowering children with crucial messages about online safety. However, a thought crossed our minds during this journey: are our kids actually sharing what they learn at home? If they're anything like my kids, the likelihood is not high! 😂

As a mom in this role, there’s a unique beauty in intertwining personal experiences with professional insights. It’s about creating dialogues that matter. This presentation was crafted with the intention of helping parents foster conversations with their kids about online safety in a relatable way.

Yesterday, I had the incredible honour of delivering this presentation to a local school École élémentaire catholique Saint-Ambroise, and it truly was the highlight of my day!

Together, we’re building a community where awareness spreads from classroom to home. Here’s to continuing this vital conversation! 🏠 💻

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