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

In this chapter, Jonathan Haidt shifts from diagnosis to practical action, focusing on what parents can do to counter the harms of a “phone-based childhood.” 

He argues that individual parenting choices matter, but work best when done collectively. Because of strong social pressures, it’s difficult for one family to limit smartphones or social media if all others allow it. So, parents are encouraged to coordinate norms within their communities. 

Key ideas from the chapter include: 

• Delay smartphones and social media 
  Haidt recommends holding off on giving children smartphones and access to social media for as long as possible, ideally until at least age 16. 
• Promote real-world, play-based experiences 
  Parents should intentionally create opportunities for independence, unstructured play, and face-to-face interaction, which are critical for healthy development. 
• Support independence gradually 
  Encouraging age-appropriate freedom helps children develop resilience, confidence, and decision-making skills. 
• Set clear boundaries around tech use 
  This includes limiting screen time, keeping devices out of bedrooms at night, and establishing family norms that protect sleep and attention. 
• Work with other families 
  Haidt emphasizes forming parent groups or agreements (e.g., delaying phones together) so no child feels socially excluded. 

Book Offer 

There will be a selection of donated, gently used books available in the lobby for students to take home and keep. Families are welcome to stop by next week to browse together and choose any books that interest them—please feel free to take as many as you like. 

 Key Dates 

Recurring Messages 

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Fun Lunch | South Street Burger

Our next Fun Lunch will be South Street Burger on June 18^th. The ordering deadline is June 13^th. Orders can be placed at HealthyHunger.ca. This month we have been able to provide 12 students with a free fun lunch thanks to generous donations from BHS families! 

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. 

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. 

Bottle Drive to support Gr. 6 Farewell 

The grade 6 Farewell Committee from School Council will be hosting a bottle drive on Saturday June 13 from 10am-2pm. You can drop off recyclables at the school parking lot during this window of time to contribute to this fundraiser. All funds raised will support activities related to the Grade 6 Farewell on June 25^th. 

Library Book Returns 

As we approach the end of the school year, we are beginning to collect all library books from students. We ask that you please take a moment to check at home and return any library books your child may still have. Returning books helps us ensure our collection is ready for students again next year. Thank you for your support. 

Keep Valuables at Home Please! 

We have recently had a few items go missing at school, including cell phones. We want to remind families that students should not bring valuables to school, as items can be misplaced or taken. 

In alignment with provincial regulations regarding cell phone use in schools, phones cannot be stored on a student during the school day. If a cell phone does need to come to school, we strongly recommend that it be handed into the office for safekeeping, as this is the most secure place to store it. 

Please note that the school is not responsible for replacing items that are lost, misplaced, or stolen. 

Dates of Significance 

National Indigenous History Month 
National Indigenous History Month, recognized in June, is a time to honour the history, heritage, and resilience of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. It encourages learning, reflection, and a deeper commitment to understanding Indigenous perspectives and advancing reconciliation.  

Italian Heritage Month 
Italian Heritage Month, celebrated in June, recognizes the contributions of Italian Canadians to building a diverse and vibrant society. It offers an opportunity to celebrate traditions, culture, and achievements while learning about the lasting impact of Italian communities across Canada. 

Filipino Heritage Month 
Filipino Heritage Month in June celebrates the vibrant culture, traditions, and contributions of Filipino Canadians. It is a time to honour community achievements, recognize cultural pride, and strengthen understanding of the Filipino experience within Canada’s diverse and multicultural society.  

Pride Season 
Pride Season, celebrated across the summer months, highlights the resilience, contributions, and diversity of 2SLGBTQI+ communities. It is a time for celebration, reflection, and advocacy, promoting dignity, visibility, and ongoing efforts toward equity, inclusion, and human rights for all.  

World Environment Day 
World Environment Day, observed annually on June 5, raises awareness and inspires action to protect the environment. It encourages individuals and communities to reflect on their impact and take meaningful steps toward sustainability, environmental stewardship, and caring for our planet.