How to align well-being with daily school life in an increasingly connected world.
BUY THIS ISSUE!
In recent years, it’s become increasingly clear that the well-being of students and school staff is key to creating a healthy and supportive learning environment—one that truly fosters educational success. Today, more than ever, this topic has become central to conversations in education, especially as we reflect on how to make digital habits more intentional and balanced.
That balance is essential for building lasting learning, increasing students’ engagement in class, and cultivating happiness at school—for everyone! So how can schools become a meaningful source of well-being? What practices help reduce the negative impact of screen use on mental and physical health, while making the most of its educational value?
In this issue, we explore a range of initiatives, strategies, and reflections that show how schools are working to align well-being with daily school life in an increasingly connected world. From strengthening social-emotional skills and encouraging responsible digital habits, to managing screen time in healthier ways and creating time for students and staff to recharge, the ideas shared here are grounded in the realities of today’s classrooms. As technology takes up more space in our lives, it’s more important than ever to rethink how we use it in education—with care and purpose. When integrated thoughtfully, digital tools can spark motivation, build autonomy, and support collaboration. But this only happens when they’re part of a broader commitment to well-being—for both students and educators.
This issue invites us to reflect together on what it takes for every member of the school community to thrive. It’s a call to seek balance between digital practices and overall wellness—because a school rooted in health and happiness lays the groundwork for deep, lasting learning.
Happy reading!
Martine Rioux, Chief-Editor
@riomarti
Click here to answer a short survey! >
.
Already subscribed? Log in to read the articles online and download the PDF version.
Schools are complex ecosystems that evolve alongside societal challenges, making well-being a shared responsibility. In this article, discover how Nancy Goyette, full professor, and Coralie Beaumont, master’s student in educational psychology at Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, examine how the educational psychology of well-being and the PERMA+4 model can address difficult working conditions, support collective mental health, and guide meaningful cultural change in school communities.
In today’s digital age, where online content and cyberbullying can shape and sometimes distort students’ self-perception, self-confidence has never been more important. In this article, France Legault, Academic Advisor and Tutor at TÉLUQ, and Philippe Picard, Education Specialist and Coach at Murmuration-Conseil, present four practical strategies: understanding student behaviour, flexible pedagogy, meaningful feedback and metacognition to foster self-awareness and support well-being in schools.
Staff well-being is a vital strategic lever for boosting motivation, enhancing performance, reducing staff turnover, and fostering innovation. Carole Brouillard-Landry, Leader in Cultural Engagement at Le Centre franco, Johanne Ste-Croix, Director of Pedagogy at Le Centre franco, and Mélanie Courtemanche, Education Consultant, examine practical strategies for creating healthy and supportive work environments, outlining key considerations for enhancing engagement, sustaining performance, and fostering a positive and collaborative organizational culture.
What if emotions were seen not as distractions, but as the foundation for learning? In this article, Nicole Arsenault, from EngagED Learning, examines Dr. Marc Brackett’s insights on emotional intelligence, focusing on stressors in education, empathy, emotional regulation, and equity in emotional expression. She shares approaches to help educators strengthen well-being, enrich relationships, and create more inclusive school cultures.
In classrooms across Quebec, a quiet but profound shift is underway. Starting Fall 2025, the provincial government will implement a bell-to-bell ban on cellphones in all public schools. In this article, Chris Colley, Provincial Pedagogical Consultant at LEARN-RÉCIT, examines the research behind the ban, its expected benefits for wellbeing and learning, concerns from parents, and strategies schools can use to ensure a smooth and effective transition.
Statements like “Kids spend too much time in front of screens” are common. In this article, discover how Josée Gaudet, Mentor in Active and Inclusive Pedagogy at the District scolaire francophone Nord-Est in New Brunswick, encourages students to use technology actively, creatively, and mindfully. She addresses screen time management, digital learning tools, and wellness breaks to support healthy, meaningful use.
By Josée GaudetMentor in Active and Inclusive PedagogyDistrict scolaire francophone Nord-Est(DSFNE), New Brunswick 8 Tips to Stay Balanced with Tech 1. Use Digital Tools Actively Am I controlling my screen—or is it controlling me? Active use means creating, learning, and thinking. Passive use means scrolling aimlessly or watching too long without interaction. 2. Think About […]
With digital technology now embedded in everyday life, schools face the ongoing challenge of balancing its educational benefits with its potential distractions and risks. In this article, Chris Kennedy, Superintendent of the West Vancouver School District, presents Personal Digital Device Best Practice Guidelines to support K–12 classrooms, outlining key principles and approaches to guide purposeful technology use, support student well-being, and promote a positive, inclusive digital culture.
In classrooms today, digital tools are more than just add-ons—they are central to how students learn, connect, and express themselves. Yet questions persist about when screen use supports learning and creativity and when it becomes dependency. This article from EngagED Learning presents research by Si Chen, Omid Ebrahimi, and Cecilia Cheng that examines the intricate connections between emotions, behaviours, and digital habits, emphasizing that the quality of engagement is a key factor in shaping student digital well-being.
With growing parental concerns and the day-to-day realities in schools, the issue of screen use has become impossible to ignore. Given the well-documented negative effects of digital overexposure, how can schools take an active role in fostering more intentional and healthy use of technology? In this article, Laurie Michel, Specialist in Digital Well-Being and Disconnection Support, examines three complementary dimensions of digital well-being and outlines strategies for schools to promote balanced, healthy digital engagement.
EngagED Learning magazine is made for teachers, pedagogical consultants and school leaders. There are 3 new issues per year, available in both print and digital format. You can subscribe for yourself or take advantage of our school license!
If you are subscribed, log in to access exclusive member content!