School Boards, WDG Health Promote Healthy Youth Choices

Choices Rewired is a partnership between Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) the Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB), and the Wellington Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) to help parents and guardians support youth in making healthier choices around screen use and substance use. Families are encouraged to visit www.choicesrewired.ca to explore the resources and start conversations at home.

Trends Among Local Youth

Recent findings from the Well-being and Health Youth (WHY) survey reveal concerning patterns of screen use and substance use among local youth:

1 in 6 high school students report vaping, with some vape pods containing as much nicotine as 40 cigarettes.

1 in 6 high school students report using cannabis.

21% of Grade 7–8 students say they’ve used cough syrup to get high.

86% of high school students report spending more than 3 hours per day on screens outside of school.

Nearly 1 in 4 youth report being cyberbullied.

“WDG Public Health’s partnership with Choices Rewired, is about empowering families to make small changes that can have a big impact,” said Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum, Associate Medical Officer of Health), WDG Public Health.

A Simple Call to Action: Observe. Engage. Lead.

Choicesrewired.ca features educational content encouraging parents and guardians to follow a simple three-step strategy to support their children:

Observe changes in behaviour, mood or interests.

Engage in open, judgment-free conversations.

Lead by modeling healthy choices and setting boundaries.

“This campaign reflects the power of collaboration. By working together across education and public health, we’re reaching families where they are—with consistent, supportive messaging that helps them navigate real challenges,” said Brent McDonald, Associate Director, Upper Grand District School Board

Echoes Brian Capovilla, Executive Superintendent, Wellington Catholic District School, “We’re proud to be part of Choices Rewired. It’s a campaign rooted in compassion and connection, and it offers practical strategies that parents can use every day to support their children’s wellbeing.”