Book Review | Chapter 7 Summary – The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt 

In Chapter 7, Jonathan Haidt focuses on how the rise of a phone‑based childhood has disproportionately harmed boys. He explains that boys’ healthy development traditionally relies on physical activity, unstructured play, risk‑taking, and real‑world problem‑solving. Excessive screen use, particularly video games, streaming content, and online media, has increasingly replaced these experiences. 

Haidt argues that digital environments are especially effective at capturing boys’ attention because they offer constant stimulation, clear rewards, and low effort. Over time, this rewires motivation and attention, making schoolwork, sustained focus, and in‑person social interactions feel less engaging or even intolerable by comparison. 

Rather than expressing distress as anxiety or sadness, boys are more likely to respond by withdrawing. This includes disengagement from school, reduced participation in extracurricular activities, fewer face‑to‑face friendships, and avoidance of challenges. Haidt notes that this withdrawal can be harder for adults to detect, as it often appears as apathy or lack of motivation rather than emotional distress. 

The chapter also highlights worrying trends in academic performance, engagement, and long‑term outcomes for boys, linking them to reduced opportunities to build resilience, self‑control, and a sense of competence. Haidt warns that without intentional limits on screen use and a return to real‑world responsibilities and play, many boys risk entering adulthood without the skills and confidence they need to thrive. 

Volunteer Tea 

We are looking forward to welcoming volunteers to our school on Thursday from 10:00–11:00 a.m. 

If you volunteered at Beddington Heights this year, you should have received an invitation. If your invite did not make it home or you did not receive one, please contact the school office and we will ensure a new copy is sent home. 

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community. We look forward to seeing you on Thursday. 

Kindergarten Registration 2026-27 

A reminder that Kindergarten Registration for next school year is ongoing. If you have a child who is turning 5 before December 31^st, they are eligible to register for Kindergarten. Please visit the CBE website here to register your child. Early registration allows us to adequately prepare for your child's successful transition to their formal schooling years. Step-by-step registration instructions are available at this link: SchoolEngage – Register a New Student 

Classroom Complexity Team Update 

We are pleased to share some exciting news connected to recent Classroom Complexity Team funding announcements you may have seen in the media. 

At Beddington Heights School, this funding has allowed us to increase the hours of our three Educational Assistants, as well as welcome Simran Kaur to our school as an Educational Assistant until the end of the year. We are also excited to announce that Mrs. Hansen will be moving into the Classroom Complexity Teacher role for the remainder of the school year, providing targeted support for students with social‑emotional, occupational therapy, and learning needs. 

To support this transition, we are grateful to have Mrs. Raya Manuel joining our community as the teacher for Mrs. Hansen’s class for the rest of the year. 

We are very excited about what these additions mean for our students and school community and look forward to the positive impact this increased support will have. 

Student Lunches 

Spring has officially sprung! As the weather warms up, we’re seeing students spending more time outside, being active, and growing fast. Every year at this time, we notice that children tend to be hungrier than usual as their energy levels and activity increase. 

We kindly ask that you consider sending a little extra food in your child’s lunch to help them stay fueled throughout the day. A few additional healthy snacks can make a big difference in supporting focus, learning, and overall well‑being. 

Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support and partnership. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to the school. 

Key Dates 

Recurring Messages 

Beddington Heights School is on Instagram | Follow us: @beddingtonheightsschoolcbe 

Fun Lunch | Mucho Burrito 

Our next Fun Lunch will be Mucho Burrito on May 28^th. The ordering deadline is May 23^rd. Orders can be placed at HealthyHunger.ca. If your child is absent on Fun Lunch day, their lunch will be kept in the office until 3:00 p.m. for pick-up. After that time, it will be discarded to meet health and safety guidelines and due to limited storage space. 

Popcorn Sales | Delivered Every Thursday 

Parent Association sells popcorn for students, which will be distributed each Thursday. All proceeds will support BHS families in need during the Winter Break/Christmas season. Popcorn orders will be made through HealthyHunger.ca. The ordering deadline for each week is Saturday. 

FlipGive Fundraiser  

Support Beddington Heights School all year long through FlipGive — an easy, free way to raise money just by shopping for things you already buy! 

Our school earns cash back whenever families shop for groceries, gas, dining out, or online purchases from hundreds of popular retailers. 

Join our team here: Beddington Heights FlipGive 

Every purchase helps support our school families. 

Growing Smiles Fundraiser | Parent Association 

Our Parent Association is excited to launch the Growing Smiles Fundraiser in support of our school community. This fundraiser offers families an easy way to enhance their gardens while helping to raise funds that directly support resources and experiences for our students. 

Order deadline: May 4 
Pickup date: May 20 (pickup time will be shared closer to the date) 

Ordering Link 

Thank you for your continued support of our Parent Association and school community. 

Dates of Significance 

Asian Heritage Month – May 2026 
In May 2026, Asian Heritage Month celebrates the diverse histories, cultures, and contributions of Asian communities in Canada. It is a time to honour resilience, achievements, and voices that continue to shape our shared past, present, and future. 

Canadian Jewish Heritage Month – May 2026 
Canadian Jewish Heritage Month in May 2026 recognizes the rich history, culture, and contributions of Jewish communities in Canada. It is an opportunity to celebrate identity, resilience, and the ongoing impact of Jewish Canadians in all areas of life. 

Polish Heritage Month – May 2026 

Polish Heritage Month in May 2026 celebrates the history, culture, and contributions of Polish Canadians. This month honours traditions, stories of immigration, and the lasting influence of Polish communities in shaping Canada’s cultural and social landscape. 

School Bus Driver Appreciation Day – May 4, 2026 
On May 4, 2026, we recognize School Bus Driver Appreciation Day. This day honours school bus drivers for their dedication, care, and commitment to safely transporting students and supporting a positive start and end to each school day. 

Mental Health Week / Hats On for Mental Health – May 2026 
Mental Health Week in May 2026, including Hats On for Mental Health, encourages open conversations about mental well‑being. Wearing a hat shows support, reduces stigma, and reminds us that mental health matters for everyone, every day. 

National Day for the Awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls – May 5, 2026 

On May 5, 2026, we honour the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two‑Spirit people. This day calls for awareness, remembrance, justice, and action to address systemic violence and support healing in Indigenous communities.