Abdi Qarabesh
Alberta
Abdi is a student leader dedicated to helping his peers live more intentionally in the physical world and reduce overreliance on digital spaces. While he sees phone restriction policies as a tool to improve focus and engagement, he also values balanced, purposeful tech use that prepares students for life beyond the classroom. As the Operations Manager for Model UN and a member of the Edmonton Public Schools Student Senate, Abdi brings strong public speaking, research, and event planning skills. Passionate about amplifying youth voices and supporting equity in education, Abdi hopes to one day become an urban planner, shaping cities that reflect the diverse needs and stories of their communities.
“My name is Abdi, and I am one of the Youth Champions from Alberta. I like to describe myself as a friendly and outgoing Canuck who loves solving problems and helping people wherever I can. I enjoy taking care of my car, going for walks, and spending time with friends. I look forward to building skills and helping today’s youth with technology for the future.”
Yabssra Shibiru
Alberta
Yabssra is a passionate advocate for intentional technology use and youth mental health. She believes that phone restriction policies in schools create more focused and supportive learning environments while still recognizing the value of purposeful tech use. Through the Screen Break Youth Champions program, Yabssra hopes to spark meaningful conversations about screen time and its impact on well-being, encouraging peers to be more mindful about what they consume. An active volunteer in her church’s children’s and media ministry, and a former member of both Speech & Debate and School Council, Yabssra brings strong public speaking skills, leadership experience, and a deep commitment to community care. She’s driven by a desire to create safe spaces for vulnerability and inspire others to live with intention.
“I’m someone who’s passionate about mental health and the power of being intentional with screen time. I love finding fun, creative ways to be present and enjoy the world around us. I’m excited to help spread awareness, encourage balance, and show how screen-free time can boost overall happiness, and encourage authentic connections.”
Zinhle Ncube
Alberta
At first, Zinhle was skeptical about the classroom phone restriction policy—worried about losing touch with her parents or missing important notifications. But over time, she realized just how often she reached for her phone out of habit, not need. Now, she’s a supporter of the policy and wants to help her peers understand its purpose: creating space for deeper focus, learning, and real-life connection. Through the Screen Break Youth Champions program, Zinhle is eager to spark open conversations about why the policy exists, how students are reacting across different schools, and how to build healthy digital habits. A passionate dancer, rugby and soccer player, and committed volunteer with her Seventh-day Adventist church, Zinhle brings strong communication skills and leadership experience to her role. She recently participated in the 2024 Pathfinder Worldwide Youth Conference and is excited to continue supporting her community through advocacy and education.
“My name is Zinhle Ncube, I’m a grade nine student and I was born in Edmonton, Alberta. My parents are from Zimbabwe, Africa. I’m excited to be a Screen Break Youth Champion as it will provide me an opportunity to spread awareness about the benefits of reduced screentime. I hope to make a positive contribution by encouraging youth to have in-person connections and foster improved mental health. I look forward to learning from youth across Cananda. In my spare time I like to play soccer, rugby and dance.”
Hasan Siddiqui
British Columbia
Hasan is a passionate and proactive leader with a deep commitment to helping students develop healthier relationships with technology. He believes that while phone restrictions in schools help reduce distractions, students need to understand the reasons behind the rules and be equipped with better ways to stay engaged. Hasan’s experience as a member of the Teen Library Council, where he helped organize events to encourage teens to socialize and connect offline, has inspired his approach to balancing phone use with meaningful in-person interactions. As a Screen Break Youth Champion, he plans to foster conversations about phone use and mental health, and create engaging, screen-free activities that bring students together. Hasan’s leadership skills were honed through founding a car club at his previous school, volunteering with Marcon to advocate for urban development, and working on a youth road safety project with Parachute Canada. His goal is to inspire change by promoting a balanced, intentional approach to technology use.
“Hi, my name is Hasan and I’m a high school student from Vancouver British Columbia. I’m passionate about youth leadership, sustainability, and community safety. I joined the Screen Break Youth Champions program to help reduce screen dependency and promote real-world connections. I’m looking forward to learning, collaborating, and making a positive impact through this initiative!”
Hope Barhabagwa
Manitoba
Hope sees both the benefits and challenges of the new device restriction policies at school. While she understands the goal of reducing distractions, improving focus, and addressing issues like online bullying, she also believes a balanced approach—one that includes responsible tech use and student voice—could lead to more effective outcomes. As a Screen Break Youth Champion, Hope wants to bridge the gap between students, teachers, and parents by fostering open dialogue and developing collaborative solutions that promote healthier digital habits.
Hope brings strong leadership and communication skills from her involvement in the national Ethics Cup (Coupe Éthique), where she engages in philosophical debates on real-life issues such as digital ethics and policy. As a basketball official at Collège Louis-Riel, she’s learned how to manage high-pressure situations, resolve conflicts, and communicate effectively. Her experience on the Manitoba lacrosse team has taught her time management, teamwork, and the value of staying active offline. Hope is passionate about empowering youth in Winnipeg to take ownership of their screen time and to have a voice in shaping the policies that affect them.
“Hi, my name is Hope Barhabagwa. I’m a Grade 11 student who works hard and likes to learn new things. I’m interested in music and books.”
Tolu Olowoshile
Manitoba
Tolu is a dedicated leader focused on helping students develop healthier relationships with technology. He believes that while phone restrictions are necessary to reduce distractions, the goal should be to balance screen time with meaningful in-person connections. Tolu has actively contributed to discussions at local Teen Action Group (TAG) meetings and has taken on leadership roles at the 191 Royal Canadian Air Cadets squadron in Winnipeg. His occasional leadership as captain of the Junior Varsity Basketball team at St. Maurice School has further strengthened his ability to motivate others and foster team dynamics. As a Screen Break Youth Champion, Tolu aims to improve policies around technology use in schools and create opportunities for students to build real-world connections.
“I am Tolu Olowoshle, a grade 9 student at St. Maurice School, Winnipeg, Manitoba. I am quite excited about the Screen Break Youth Champion program (SBYC) as it aligns with my objective of making a difference in my community. I love taking on challenges and learning new things whether it be in school, basketball or programs like the SBYC.”
Hartley Waddell
New Brunswick
Hartley acknowledges the importance of the new phone policies at her school but recognizes that many students are not following the guidelines, and enforcement has been challenging for teachers. She hopes to raise awareness among students and their families about the negative effects of phone use during class time and its impact on learning and overall habits.
Hartley’s leadership experience includes being a member of the RPS Middle School Leadership Club, where she was honoured with the Outstanding Leadership Award. Her involvement in soccer, both at school and with a local club, has taught her the value of forming meaningful connections without relying on technology. Despite using technology to maintain these relationships, she values the importance of face-to-face interactions. Hartley is often called upon to assist others with their schoolwork, demonstrating his helpful and collaborative nature.
Through this program, Hartley is eager to contribute to creating a healthier balance between technology use and real-life engagement in his school community.
“Hi! I’m Hartley, and I’m 14 years old. I’m excited to be a Screen Break Youth Champion. I enjoy attempting new things to learn more about myself, and I enjoy helping others figure out what they enjoy too. Taking breaks from screens and engaging in other activities is really important to me, and I’m looking forward to participating and making a difference.”
Tiffany Osemwekhae
New Brunswick
Tiffany recognizes both the positive and negative impacts of the new phone/device restriction policies in her school. She appreciates the focus and improved classroom engagement that come with reduced device usage but also sees the potential downside, such as increased screen time outside of school. Tiffany aims to foster a balanced relationship with technology by promoting collaboration between teachers and students to find effective solutions for managing screen time. Through workshops, interactive activities, and guest speakers, Tiffany seeks to inspire students to develop healthier tech habits and build stronger peer connections.
Her entrepreneurial experience, including founding an Etsy business selling digital planners and journals, has sharpened her problem-solving and organizational skills, which she plans to apply in this program. Tiffany’s volunteer work, including assisting elderly residents with technology and contributing to Club Hope, has also equipped her with valuable communication and teamwork skills. She has demonstrated leadership and creativity as the Clubs and Design Editor for her school yearbook and has a commitment to managing her time effectively while balancing extracurricular activities like choir and orchestra.
Tiffany is dedicated to helping her school and community build a more positive and balanced relationship with technology.
“My name is Tiffany Osemwekhae and I am a grade 9 student at Saint John High School, in New Brunswick. I’m excited about this program because I can’t wait to collaborate with other youth champions who are as passionate about technology as me! Also, I am interested in learning more about our school’s education policies, leadership skills and knowledge about change making.”
Devon Fahey
Newfoundland & Labrador
Devon is a driven and community-minded student from Newfoundland and Labrador who brings a balanced perspective to the conversation on school phone policies. While he sees how restrictions have improved focus and communication in the classroom, he’s also keenly aware of the tensions they can create. Through the Screen Break Youth Champions program, Devon hopes to bridge the gap between students and educators by advocating for fair, thoughtful rules around technology use. A two-time participant in the Students Commission of Canada’s #CanadaWeWant conference, Devon is passionate about youth voice and systems change. He’s also a competitive swimmer, volunteer coach, and small business owner—dedicated to both personal growth and giving back. Whether in the pool, on the basketball court, or in his community, Devon leads with commitment, teamwork, and a strong sense of purpose.
“My name is Devon Fahey, I’m a grade 9 student in mount pearl, NL. I’m excited to join this program to help and improve my school systems policies and many others around the country because, I feel like schools need to build a healthier relationship with phones instead of trying to get rid of them.”
Dylan Reid
Newfoundland & Labrador
Dylan believes that while the new phone restrictions are necessary to reduce distractions during instructional time, they may not fully account for the individual needs of students. He advocates for a more inclusive approach that considers the perspectives of everyone affected by the policies, including students, teachers, and staff. Dylan’s aim is to foster an environment where all voices are heard and valued, contributing to a more positive, welcoming, and supportive school atmosphere. As the Art & Design Digital Lead for his Student Council, he brings creativity and leadership to his role. Dylan has also demonstrated responsibility and leadership as a Program Assistant for the CanSkate program, Ice Captain at Figure Skating competitions, and through his work experience at Robins Donuts/Greco Pizza and babysitting.
“Hey everyone! I’m Dylan, a Grade 11 student from Newfoundland. I’ve been working part-time for the past three years, I’m a competitive figure skater, and I skate on Newfoundland’s first-ever all-male synchronized figure skating team.
As a Screen Break Youth Champion, my mission is to promote healthier digital habits, empower teens to build real-world leadership skills, and share a message of positivity and balance. I’m excited to be part of this program and ready to help create real change.”
Coltrane Hughes
Nova Scotia
Coltrane believes phone restriction policies are a step toward creating a more focused and motivated learning environment. As a Screen Break Youth Champion, he aims to empower students to develop a healthier relationship with technology by fostering conversations around screen time, mental health, and academic engagement. His vision includes organizing workshops and events that bring together students, parents, and educators to co-create solutions that promote balanced tech use.
A committed student leader, Coltrane has extensive experience building community through his role as the Leader of the Afro-centric cohort and Diversity Chair at his school. He has led team-building initiatives, advocated for students of African descent, and helped foster a more inclusive school culture. He’s also been active in the P.E. Leadership Group, organizing school-wide events, and has contributed over 70 volunteer hours across various roles, including the Grade 9 Transition Program, HRY (Healthy Relationships for Youth), and Camp Out for Homeless Youth. With a passion for advocacy and connection, Coltrane is excited to strengthen his leadership and inspire meaningful change within his school and beyond.
“Hi everyone! My name is Coltrane Hughes, and I’m a Grade 11 student from the small town of Wolfville in Nova Scotia. I’m really excited about this program because I want to learn more about how cell phone policies have positively impacted school systems. I’m also eager to develop my skills as a leader and organizer of activities to make a meaningful difference in my school community.”
Jannatun Jasim
Nova Scotia
Jannatun is a thoughtful and driven junior high student who brings both critical thinking and leadership experience to the Screen Break Youth Champions program. As a student council member, she has taken initiative in organizing assemblies and school activities, especially stepping up when others couldn’t. Jannatun has a nuanced perspective on phone restrictions—recognizing both the value of minimizing distractions and the unintended consequences of removing helpful tools. She hopes to use this program to spark thoughtful conversations in her school about balance, productivity, and how tech can support learning when used intentionally. Known for her ability to plan, lead, and problem-solve under pressure, Jannatun is passionate about making classrooms more engaging and student-centered.
“I find myself very interested in anything with planning. Things I do to pass the time are reading, writing, and playing badminton! I’m involved with planning a lot of events for my school and am in our school’s leadership council. I’m very excited for this opportunity since I love discussions and look forward to hearing others’ opinions and experiences! Hope to learn something new along the way as well!”
Aysha Lafir
Ontario
Aysha first approached the classroom phone-use policy with uncertainty—but it soon became a catalyst for change. Realizing how much she depended on her phone, even for tasks that school devices could handle, she began to shift her habits and reconnect more deeply with her peers and her learning. Now, Aysha is passionate about promoting mindful tech use and supporting students who struggle with mental health and digital dependency. As a Screen Break Youth Champion, she aims to encourage her peers to set healthy boundaries with technology and rediscover the value of screen-free moments. A founder of her school’s Feminist Society and a dedicated volunteer at a long-term care center, Aysha brings experience in public speaking, event coordination, and advocacy. Whether facilitating awareness workshops or organizing fundraisers, she’s committed to building a school culture that values intentional connection, mental well-being, and community care.
“My name is Aysha Lafir and I am a 17-year-old Grade 11 student at J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate in Ajax, Ontario, and a proud leader of my school’s Feminist Society. I am passionate about creating inclusive spaces, advocating for gender equality, and supporting youth mental health. I strive to empower young girls and women through innovative ideas and community action. I have organized fundraisers for the Canadian Women’s Foundation and am currently planning an event to support a local women’s shelter. As a Screen-Break Youth ChampionI look forward to building a brighter, healthier future for our growing generation.”
Guneet Dhami
Ontario
Guneet is a dynamic student leader who believes that thoughtful phone restriction policies can help create a more focused, respectful, and mentally present school environment. As a Screen Break Youth Champion, she’s passionate about sparking open conversations around digital habits and encouraging a balance between connection and concentration. Guneet appreciates the nuance of maintaining access to phones for safety while minimizing distractions during learning hours. She aims to bridge gaps between students, educators, and families by facilitating meaningful dialogue about technology’s role in mental health and academic success.
Guneet brings a wealth of experience to this role. She’s the founder and host of “yapitout”, a global teen mental health podcast on Spotify, a STEAM and robotics instructor, and a soccer coach. She also serves as an executive event coordinator for one of her school’s largest clubs, and is involved in theatre and school photography. Across these roles, she has developed strong communication, public speaking, and event planning skills. Guneet is excited to use her platform to lead impactful initiatives that promote digital well-being and inspire her school community to rethink their relationship with technology.
“Hi! I’m Guneet Dhami, a grade 10 student at Harold M. Brathwaite Secondary School. My hobbies include playing soccer, the violin, and baking. I’m so excited to be a part of the Screen Break Youth Champion program as the intersection between tech and mental health is a huge passion of mine that I’m actively working towards whether that be through my podcast (yapitout on Spotify), building IOS apps, or hosting community events. I love to help and the Screen Break Youth Champion Program is the perfect way to do so! (:”
Liola MytKolli
Ontario
Liola Mytkolli is a Grade 11 IB student based in Ottawa with a strong passion for advocacy, science, and youth engagement. She currently serves as a content coordinator with the Youth Canadian Roundtable on Health, where she helps lead national campaigns focused on health equity, responsible technology use, and chronic illness awareness. Drawing from personal experiences supporting peers with Type 1 diabetes, she is especially committed to promoting inclusive school environments where students who rely on technology for medical or accessibility reasons feel supported. She is excited about the opportunity to serve as a Screen Break Youth Champion to help students build healthier digital habits while advocating for tech policies grounded in empathy, education, and equity.
Nour Alzoubi
Prince Edward Island
Nour is a passionate student leader who believes that phone restriction policies can help students become more present, focused, and engaged—if paired with deeper conversations about intentional technology use. As a Grade 10 Representative on Student Council and Vice President of her school’s Islamic Relief Club, Nour brings strong leadership, event planning, and advocacy experience to the Screen Break Youth Champions program. She is committed to helping her peers recognize how technology can both support and hinder their growth, and she hopes to spark dialogue around balance, well-being, and mindful tech habits. Nour also teaches Arabic to youth, co-led her school’s first-ever Diversity Week, and has MC’d school-wide events—skills she brings into every space to create inclusive, empowering conversations that encourage students to thrive beyond the screen.
“My name is Nour Alzoubi, and I am a passionate Grade 10 student dedicated to youth leadership, inclusion, and student well-being. From organizing my school’s first Diversity Week to volunteering with Islamic Relief Canada, I’ve always been driven to build stronger, more connected communities. I’m especially excited about the Screen Break program because I’ve seen how constant screen use can impact focus, relationships, and mental health. This initiative is a chance to spark real change, and I’m ready to be a voice that helps lead it!”
Veronica Li
Prince Edward Island
Veronica has seen firsthand the positive impact of phone and device restrictions in the classroom—from sharper focus to deeper peer collaboration. As a Screen Break Youth Champion, she’s passionate about helping students build healthier digital habits and reduce device dependency, especially in a world where constant connection is the norm. Veronica aims to spark conversations about digital wellness while creating space for mindful tech use and stronger in-person connections. With leadership experience in her school’s leadership program, as a content creator for a platform with over 6,000 followers, and as an on-set communication agent, she brings sharp communication skills and a collaborative mindset. Veronica is committed to supporting her peers in navigating the new policy while tackling the deeper challenges of tech dependency and classroom engagement.
“Hi, my name is Veronica Li! I’m in grade 9, and my hobbies are playing the piano, shopping, and playing badminton. I’m especially excited about being a part of the Screen Break Youth Champions program because despite popular opinion, I believe education and technology go hand in hand, and actively encourage more effective learning through ever-evolving technologies.”
Gabrielle Louis
Québec
Gabrielle is passionate about understanding how different technologies and devices shape the learning environment for students. She sees the Screen Break program as a unique and special opportunity to build her skills in facilitation, leadership, and public speaking—all while connecting with youth across the country. Gabrielle is especially interested in exploring alternatives and solutions to tech-related distractions in classrooms. At her school, students aren’t allowed to use phones in classrooms but can use them in public areas like the cafeteria. Still, she notices that the policy isn’t strongly enforced, and students often use their phones in class, creating distractions. Gabrielle is curious about how trust between students and teachers plays into this and hopes to contribute meaningful ideas to the conversation on technology in schools.
“My name is Gabrielle Louis. I’m a 10th grande student from Montreal, Quebec. I look forward to learning about the different impacts technologies have on us. I also want to share my experiences and learn from my fellow Screen Break Youth champions. I’m excited to share this experience and contribute to better learning environments for us all!”
Maeva Louis
Québec
Maeva joined the Screen Break program to learn more about how young students navigate technology in the classroom and to expand her understanding of how youth function in today’s digital world. She’s excited to grow her public speaking and leadership skills, knowing they’ll be valuable in her future projects. Coming from a francophone school, Maeva brings a valuable perspective on how language and cultural context affect the way tech policies are communicated and enforced. In her experience, there isn’t one clear policy on personal devices—rules often vary depending on the teacher, leading to contradictions and confusion. For example, while students are told not to use phones, the school requires them to use an app called “Studio” to keep track of homework, creating a complex dynamic that she’s eager to unpack through this program.
“My name is Maeva Louis. I’m a 10th grader at École Secondaire Marie-Clarac in Montreal, Quebec. I’m really excited to participate in this program because I think it will be fascinating to learn about how students across Canada are using technology in the classroom. I’m also eager to expand my knowledge about the impact of technologies and best practices we can adopt. It’s inspiring to know that so many students around my age share similar interests!”
Anna Nguyen
Saskatchewan
Anna is passionate about fostering healthier digital habits through awareness and conversation—not restriction. While she understands the intent behind school phone bans like the one in Saskatchewan, she believes that true change comes from helping students learn how to manage screen time, not just eliminate it temporarily. As a Screen Break Youth Champion, Anna hopes to lead thoughtful discussions about the emotional and academic effects of excessive screen time, while promoting small, sustainable changes that improve focus, mental health, and real-life connection.
A creative and quick thinker, Anna brings experience in event organizing and youth coaching, including working with under-11 soccer teams. She’s eager to expand her leadership skills, support her peers, and co-create a more mindful and engaged school environment where students feel empowered to take control of their tech use.
“Hello! My name is Anna Nguyen, and I’m currently in grade 11. I’m a student with a big passion for health, well-being, and helping others. I’m so excited to be a part of the Screen Break Youth Champion program. This program will give me a chance to educate myself and help the teens in my community!”