A woman with shoulder-length wavy dark hair with highlights, smiling and sitting with arms crossed, wearing a sleeveless brown top against a plain light background.
Close-up of green, waxy, oval-shaped leaves on a plant with a plain, light-colored background.

Meet Dr. Alison Yeung, MD

As a practicing Family Physician, and mom to two young kids, I have seen firsthand the way that digital technology can present both challenges and opportunities for young people.

During my time in clinical practice I have come to know my patients and follow them through challenges and success. I have become acutely aware of the ways in which our youth are struggling; many appear to be struggling in new and unprecedented ways. I’m seeing increasing rates of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, self-harm and suicidal thoughts. They are kind, insightful and bright – but they are struggling to make social connections, get enough sleep, and focus at school.

As digital technology becomes more engrained into our everyday function, I’ve learned that this can pose significant drawbacks in the lives of children. As with anything, moderation is key. But the reality is that tweens are averaging 5-6 hours a day on digital entertainment, while teens are spending 6-8 hours a day. The majority of this time is spent on social media. This time spent is displacing other crucial aspects of childhood development, including time outdoors, physical activity, adequate sleep and time in-person with friends and family.

This journey has also made me aware of the lack of safeguards that exist to hold tech companies accountable for child online safety, and all the ways they are exploiting the vulnerability of our children.

I’ve created The Smartphone Effect MD, a platform used to educate parents and advocate for social media reform. I serve as an Industry Expert for the nonprofit Unplugged Canada, which supports parents in delaying smartphones and social media.

Since 2023, I have been speaking to parents, educators, policymakers, and healthcare professionals about the impact of screens and social media on child development and mental health. My mission is to empower families with knowledge, inspire change, and advocate for a healthier digital future for children.

My work has been featured in the Globe and Mail, USA Today, Today’s Parent and more.

Close-up of green, glossy plant leaves with a white background.
A woman with shoulder-length dark hair styled in loose waves, smiling, seated on a beige armchair against a plain wall, wearing a brown sleeveless dress with buttons down the front.

Dr. Alison Yeung in the media

Red circular logo for The Globe and Mail with white text and a small maple leaf icon
Logo of USA Today with a blue circle and black text.
Text graphic with the words "Today's Parent" in large, bold white letters on a teal background.
BT Breakfast Television logo with blue background, white 'BT' inside a blue circle with orange outline, and the words 'breakfast television' in blue text.
Logo for Waterloo Region Record with black and blue text.

View the media library →