Dr. Alison Yeung
The Smartphone Effect MD
Meet Dr. Alison Yeung, MD
Welcome! I’m a Canadian Family Physician and mother of two. During my time in clinical practice, I’ve seen the unique opportunities and challenges that technologies like smartphones, social media, video games and tablets are posing to my young patients.
I’m passionate about raising awareness and calling out tech companies for taking advantage of young developing minds. I strive to educate families around how to find a healthy tech balance within their homes.
Where to find me
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With over 130k followers, you’ll find the majority of my content here - clinical insights, current events, research updates and more.
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I’ve been featured in several podcasts, and also started my own podcast called Parenting and (Peri)Menopause in 2026 with my co-worker Dr. Julie Maidment.
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A free newsletter with blog-style longform content where I share thoughts, insights and research.
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I would love to speak at your next event! With extensive experience speaking to healthcare professionals, educators and parents, I offer comprehensive presentations full of research, clinical insights and practical solutions.
When We Look Up is officially here!
When I speak to parents, I’m often asked to recommend a resource that helps children understand why delaying smartphones and social media matters. Sometimes, hearing the message from someone other than Mom or Dad makes all the difference.
I struggled to find anything that fit the bill, so I decided to write my own. I'm thrilled to share that When We Look Up is available for purchase!
Illustrated by Canadian educator, Julie Bolton, When We Look Up is a chapter book for children ages 8–12 that helps young readers understand the importance of looking up from screens and connecting with the world around them.
Have you heard?
It’s hard to capture all the nuance of parenting in the digital world on social media sound bytes – that’s where podcast appearances can be really helpful.
I’ve appeared on a number of podcasts over the past few years, and released my own podcast with my co-worker Dr. Julie Maidment in 2026. Feel free to have a listen!
Featured in the media
Op-Ed: Big Tech’s been targeting kids at school all along
Dr. Alison Yeung & Andrew Cantarutti
September 7, 2026
Op-Ed: Why We’ve Decided Not to Geotrack Our Children
Dr. Alison Yeung
June 4, 2026
For Parents Holding Off Giving Their Kids a Smartphone, the Pressure is Real
Dave McGinn
October 26, 2025
Opinion: Bikes now, Tech Later
Dr. Alison Yeung
July 27, 2025How much screen time is OK for kids this summer? A judgment-free guide for parents
Kelly Lawler
July 8, 2025
Parenting in a Digital World: Is There One Right Way?
Breakfast Television: The Health Tech-Up with Lisa Chang
June 10, 2025
Should I Be Worried About my Daughter’s Smartphone Use?
James Jackson
Apr 14, 2025Teens and TikTok doc 'Social Studies' is a parent's nightmare. But we can learn.
Kelly Lawler
Oct 24, 2024
Dr. Alison Yeung
August 23, 2024
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