Book Review | Chapter 4 Summary – The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt 

Chapter 4 focuses on the rapid shift from a play-based childhood to a phone-based childhood—and why that change has had serious consequences for kids’ mental health. 

Haidt explains that, historically, kids developed resilience, independence, and social skills through unsupervised play—figuring out conflicts, taking small risks, and learning from mistakes. But over the past couple of decades, this kind of play has declined sharply. At the same time, smartphone use and social media have taken over a huge portion of kids’ free time. 

He argues that this swap is a problem because: 

• Play builds real-world competence (negotiation, problem-solving, confidence)  
• Phones replace active experiences with passive consumption  
• Online environments are overly stimulating and often stressful, especially with social comparison, likes, and constant feedback  

A key idea in this chapter is that kids are now: 

• Overprotected in the real world (less freedom to explore)  
• Underprotected online (exposed to adult-level content, social pressure, and algorithms)  

Haidt connects this shift to rising rates of anxiety and depression, particularly in adolescents, and suggests that the loss of independent play is a major missing piece in understanding why mental health has declined. 

Bottom line: Chapter 4 argues that kids didn’t just gain phones—they lost something critical at the same time: the kind of free, real-world play that helps them grow into resilient, capable people. 

Spring Family Dance | Hosted by Parent Association 

Get ready to jump, spin, and groove into spring! Join us for a fun-filled dance party packed with music and plenty of smiles. Kids can show off their best moves, make new friends, and celebrate the arrival of this new season.  

Join us on Thursday, April 23 from 6-8pm for our Spring Dance. All BHS students and their families are welcome to join in the fun. We require that students attend the dance with a responsible adult. This adult must remain onsite with their child. We will be running a concession with small snack items (for a cash fee) and we will have a free tattoo station.  

We are also looking for volunteers to help this event run smoothly. Police clearance is not required as parents will be present. Use this link to sign-up. 

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.  

Video Surveillance at Beddington Heights | FYI 

Our school has a new video surveillance system to help maintain a safe and secure environment at the school for students, staff and the public, and to help address vandalism and criminal activity on school property. 

The video surveillance system is installed and reviewed in accordance with Administrative Regulation 1066. Personal information is collected under the authority of the Education Act and the Protection of Privacy Act (POPA), specifically section 10(1) and the Access to Information Act (ATIA) . 

This technology can be placed in areas such as the school parking lot, building entrances and exits, stairwells and hallways. This information is recorded and collected to help maintain a safe and secure environment in the school and on school property. The users of this information are the principal or designate and  law enforcement personnel in the case of reported incidents that would require an investigation. Only authorized persons will review video surveillance information. 

Inquiries concerning the video surveillance system, or the collection and use of recorded information may be made by contacting the school office. 

School Planning and Engagement Feedback Posted 

In February we shared information about school planning with School Council. This included information related to our School Development Plan, School Fees and Activities. You can find both the presentation and the feedback from families on these items at our school website here.  

 Key Dates 

Recurring Messages 

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

Fun Lunch | Subway 

Our next Fun Lunch will be Subway on April 30^th. The ordering deadline is April 25^th. Orders can be placed at HealthyHunger.ca. Thanks to generous donations from BHS families, we were able to provide 6 lucky students with a free fun lunch from Coco Brooks last month! Thank you to all who contributed to this cause! 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. 

Grade 2/3/5 Celebration of Learning Schedule Change 

Our upcoming celebration of learning for grades 2/3/5 students has been changed due to a scheduling conflict. Our daytime performance will now happen on Wednesday April 15 at 1:15, and our evening performance will remain on Thursday, April 16 at 6pm. 

Jump Rope for Heart 

This month we kick off Jump Rope for Heart! Our school has registered @HeartandStroke's #JumpRopeForHeart!  

This event teaches our students the importance of giving back and encourages them to learn the EASY healthy habits, so they understand the importance of staying active, eating well and taking care of their heart and brain health. 

The funds our school raises will help support important heart and brain research funded by Heart & Stroke. Let's work together as a school community and show how generous we can be!  

Our Event Date is scheduled for April 23, 2026.  

Please visit our school fundraising page. Register online today using this link. 

Speech Language Pathology at Home Strategies Session 

I wanted to share information about an upcoming two-part workshop series being offered by several CBE SLPs . They will take place on April 20th and May 4^th (4-5pm).  

The sessions will focus on strategies parents can use at home during shared book reading to support their children’s development across multiple areas, including vocabulary, grammar, and sound awareness. 

Please see the attached flyer for registration details: Language and Reading Tying It Together Invite 2026

Dates of Significance 

Education Week (April 13-17, 2026) celebrates public education, recognizing students, staff, and community partnerships, while highlighting the importance of inclusive learning environments and the collective efforts that support student success across schools and communities. 

Vaisakhi (April 14, 2026) marks the Sikh New Year and a spring harvest celebration, commemorating the founding of the Khalsa and emphasizing reflection, gratitude, community service, and cultural traditions shared within schools and communities.