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.
Psst… I’m writing a children’s book!
Whenever I present to groups of parents, I’m always asked for a resource to help children understand why delaying smartphones and social media is important. Parents recognize that sometimes their voice doesn’t resonate with their child, so they’re looking for help!
I found that I kept coming up short in terms of recommendations– there isn’t much out there! So I decided to write my own!
Illustrated by a Canadian educator named Julie Bolton, we’re excited to soon release “When We Look Up,” a chapter book for 8-12 year olds. Stay tuned!
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: 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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