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Program Partner: CHEO

The EKO Spring Symposium is all about addressing the biggest issues on the horizon. That’s exactly what our Advance Keynote will do.

As social media has proliferated worldwide, so too have concerns over how the platforms are affecting individual and collective wellbeing. These concerns are now the subject of legal and legislative action in countries around the world, including Ontario and Canada. We’ve invited two renowned experts to talk with us about just how healthy or unhealthy social media is for our kids. 


Thinking Creatively About Online Harms for Children and Youth
with Frances Haugen and Dr. Michael Cheng, O.Ont.

Wednesday March 26, 2025
12:00 – 1:20 pm

We’re connected through Instagram, Google+, LinkedIn, X, YouTube and Facebook. Social media is a powerful mode of communication—these platforms offer convenience and connection and are even used for clinical intervention—a safe space to be supported in moderated chats.

But as the saying goes: You can have too much of a good thing.
There is a growing body of literature showing a correlation between social media use and depression, anxiety, cyberbullying, body image issues, poor academic performance, low self-esteem, feelings of isolation, eating disorders, suicidal tendencies—problems fueled by the intentionally addictive design of social networking platforms.

A 2019 Ruderman Family Foundation report found students with disabilities were more likely than typically developing students to experience higher highs and lower lows when using social media. Students with disabilities said they are more likely to find support and felt better about themselves when using social media. They were also 1.8 times more likely to be victims and 1.7 times more likely to be perpetrators of cyberbullying; the connection for depressive symptoms and suicide ideation was also particularly strong for these students.

Frances Haugen and Dr. Michael Cheng talk about what we need to know about social media platforms, and how can professionals and parents can support kids with disabilities and developmental needs in the world of online connection.

Frances Haugen is standing outside posing for her headshot with her hands on her hips.

Frances Haugen

Data scientist and engineer, former Facebook employee and whistleblower, Advocate for accountability and transparency in social media

In 2021, Frances Haugen exposed thousands of internal Facebook documents, revealing that the company was aware of the harm caused by its product but still prioritized profit over safety. Her revelations sparked a broad discussion on the imperative for democratic governments to regulate social media platforms. She has emerged as a prominent advocate on the global stage, championing policies aimed at enhancing accountability and transparency within technology firms, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding children’s online well-being.

Michael Cheng is standing outside on a sunny day smiling for his headshot, the green outdoor background is blurred behind him.

Dr. Michael Cheng, O.Ont.

CHEO Child & Family Psychiatrist and Associate Professor, University of Ottawa

Dr. Cheng supports families coping with modern society, helping them (re)attach to nature, people, and all that gives them purpose and meaning. He co-founded eMentalHealth.ca, which provides mental health information and resources to families and professionals. As a parent, he knows first-hand the challenge of staying connected to nature and to fellow humans in an increasingly virtual world. Dr. Cheng speaks on a wide variety of topics including child and youth mental health, technology and mental health, nature, self-regulation, and self-compassion.

  • Tickets to the Advance Keynote with Frances Haugen and Dr. Michael Cheng are included with EKO Spring Symposium 2025 registration. A limited number of guest tickets are also available.
  • Login details will be available to all registered EKO Spring Symposium 2025 delegates and their guests by Tuesday, March 25, 2025
  • Not registered yet? Here’s the link to register and purchase guest tickets.

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