Resource Criteria
illustration by Sierra Gogol
We aim to be a hub for Canadians to find trustworthy, relevant, evidence-based research, advice, and platforms for digital wellbeing.
The research team worked over 2024-2025 to find and house these resources. We started with our network of trusted collaborators, and then extended through their trusted networks. We also searched the internet ourselves, guided by the criteria below.
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Canadian First
We focus on sourcing resources made by Canadians, for Canadians first.
The Hub also includes relevant international resources.
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Data Privacy
The resources we share must respect privacy, avoid collecting or exploiting user data.
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Aligned
Resources must align with the purpose of the Hub: supporting safe, ethical, and meaningful digital lives and experiences.
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Values Youth Voices
We prioritize resources co-created with, or informed by youth, especially Canadian youth. We value resources that empower youth agency and intergenerational dialogue.
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Trustworthy
We prioritize resources created by non-profits, academic researchers, independent creators, and government bodies.
We source materials produced independently of corporate or big tech influence. If there is a high quality resource that aligns strongly with our purpose offered by a corporate entity, including big tech, or developed with funding from big tech, we will include it. But, we highlight this potential bias for you, the user, so you can use the resource at your own discretion. -
Evidence-Based
We prioritize evidence-based resources.
More Detail
At Young Lives Research Lab, we work alongside…
young people and their chosen communities to co-create credible, ethical, and youth-centered knowledge that supports their wellbeing, rights, and leadership in a rapidly changing and ever more digital world. Canada's Digital Wellbeing Hub (Phase 1) has been co-created with young Canadians and academics as a trusted space where young people, educators, families, and communities can find resources that are free from commercial bias, data exploitation, or hidden agendas.
This commitment to the support and protection of users…
grows out of the leadership of the Young Lives Research Lab Founder and Director, Dr. Kate Tilleczek. A Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Youth, Education & Global Good, Dr. Tilleczek’s extensive work connects directly with national and international leaders in digital citizenship, including the 5Rights Foundation and Digital Futures for Children at the London School of Economics, where she serves on the International Advisory Board; Tech for Good Canada, where she advises on ethical technology practices; the OPN Digital Transparency Lab (Global Digital Commons Initiative), where she contributes as an Advisory Board member; and the McGill Centre for Media, Democracy and Society, where she is a collaborating partner. Together with these organizations, the Lab advances youth-centered, evidence-based approaches to building healthier digital environments.
Guided by these values and partnerships…
we seek to maintain the Hub as a digital learning space that is co-created alongside youth. Our Youth Advisory Committee have been active collaborators in deciding what counts as relevant, respectful, and trustworthy information. By combining their lived experiences with leading global research, we aim to counter disinformation, challenge harmful digital practices, and create space for young people to lead conversations about their digital futures.
photo by: Hayden Pinchin
