Nonprofit Alliance of Bermuda Third Sector Spotlight: Family Centre

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By Dr. Sandy De Silva, PsyD, Executive Director, Family Centre 

This World Children’s Day, families across Bermuda – and around the world – are asking the same urgent question: How do we keep our children safe and healthy in a digital age? 

The rise of social media and smartphones has changed childhood. While technology connects, entertains, and educates, it also carries risks that are impacting young people’s mental health. Psychologist Jonathan Haidt, in The Anxious Generation, describes this as the “great rewiring of childhood,” linking the rapid spread of smartphones and social media to sharp increases in anxiety, depression and loneliness among adolescents. 

At Family Centre, we see this every day: unfiltered screen use contributing to anxiety, disrupted sleep, and social isolation. Parents, educators, and researchers are aligned on one truth: The way children engage with technology is profoundly shaping their overall wellbeing. 

Globally, the numbers are alarming: 

• The average teenager now spends 4+ hours a day on screens. This is in addition to their online schoolwork, and much of the screen time is unsupervised. 

• Adolescents who spend more than three hours a day on social media are nearly twice as likely to report symptoms of anxiety and depression. 

• The Cyberbullying Research Center in the US reports that 30% of the teens they surveyed said that they have been cyberbullied at some point in their lives. 

We cannot ignore these realities. But we can take steps – together – to safeguard our children. 

1. Recognise that change is needed 

Surveys show that two-thirds of parents worry about the impact of social media on their child’s wellbeing, and teens themselves admit they often feel “addicted” to their phones. Families in Bermuda are already responding by delaying smartphone access, removing devices from bedrooms, and modelling healthier tech habits. Polls also reflect growing support for restricting social media access for children under 16, with countries like Australia leading the way. Change is not only needed – it is wanted! 

2. Limit smartphones in schools 

The evidence is clear: students perform better when phones are restricted in classrooms. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) 2025 report found that schools with stricter phone policies saw higher literacy and maths scores, and lower levels of bullying and distraction. At the same time, technology used in the right way can be a powerful tool for learning – particularly for students who learn differently. Assistive apps, digital resources, and adaptive learning platforms can help children access content, practise skills, and build confidence. The challenge is finding the right balance such as limiting unstructured phone use while embracing technology that genuinely supports learning. Parents should ask their children’s schools what their policies are and ensure schools and families are on the same page about rules and expectations. 

3. Delay social media until children are developmentally ready 

Research shows that critical thinking and perspective-taking skills strengthen significantly after age 14. Waiting until mid-adolescence before introducing social media reduces exposure to harmful content such as disinformation, body image pressures, and cyberbullying, all of which increase during adolescence due to the targeting of these messages to teens. Having these discussions are critical and could protect children during their most vulnerable years. But this can only be successful if parents and schools unite on this approach. 

4. Foster real-world independence and connections 

Today’s children are overprotected in the real world but underprotected online. However, research consistently shows that unstructured, real-world play improves resilience and wellbeing. Children who spend time outdoors and engage in independent activities are more likely to develop better social skills, lower stress, and greater confidence. Encouraging children to help with chores or volunteer in the community builds resilience that no screen can provide. 

At Family Centre, our programmes focus on strengthening young people (and by extension, their families) by offering positive alternatives to screen time. We provide counselling services and therapeutic groups that build social skills, emotional resilience and encourage healthy relationships, and afterschool programmes that empower youth through sports, mentorship, mindfulness, and discovering their leadership potential. We see transformation every day when youth interact with others in positive and meaningful ways and families reconnect, resulting in positive mental health.  

This World Children’s Day, let’s commit to practical but bold changes: delay access to social media, limit smartphone use at home and in schools, model healthy technology use habits, and create more opportunities for real-word connections.  

Children deserve not just protection, but the chance to grow into confident, capable adults. It is by working together – families, schools, youth-serving organisations, and government – that we can safeguard Bermuda’s children and help them to thrive. 

Nonprofit Alliance of Bermuda Third Sector Spotlight: WindReach

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At our core, WindReach believes that every person deserves the chance to thrive, connect, and belong. Yet for many Bermudians living with developmental or physical challenges – whether children, younger or older adults – true inclusion remains just out of reach, as barriers continue to limit participation and connection. And these barriers lead to isolation, lower self-esteem, and challenges to mental health and wellbeing.

WindReach exists to change that.

Through our unique blend of evidence-based, therapeutic, educational, outdoor, and animal- assisted programmes, we create meaningful experiences that build confidence, spark joy, and cultivate skills for life. Whether it’s caring for animals, learning in nature, or engaging in hands- on activities, our participants discover new strengths and gain a more profound sense of belonging within their community.

Research shows that feeling connected enhances wellbeing and resilience. At WindReach, we see this every day. Individuals who once felt excluded are now part of a team – developing friendships, learning life skills, and contributing to their community in ways that affirm their value and potential.

Families benefit too. One caregiver shared, “We are most appreciative of the excellent day care services given to my mom by the staff and believe we could not have made it this far with her dementia care without their assistance.” Stories like these remind us that when individuals are supported, families also find relief, hope, and the strength to keep going.

Schools see the ripple effect as well. One teacher of neurodivergent students told us, “I have witnessed firsthand how WindReach opens doors to incredible growth and joy. Each visit enriches our students’ language, lifts their spirits, and introduces them to a world of possibilities.”

The need for this work is real and urgent. The Human Rights Commission’s 2025 Report on Disability Inclusion confirmed that people with disabilities in Bermuda continue to face systemic barriers in education, employment, healthcare, housing, and public life. Many experience a declining quality of life due to limited access to essential services. WindReach bridges these gaps, offering safe, evidence-based programmes that empower individuals while advancing Bermuda’s progress toward true inclusion and equity.

And we are leading the way. In 2024, Bermuda made history as the first British Overseas Territory to have the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities extended by the UK. This milestone brings both opportunity and responsibility – to ensure that inclusion becomes not just policy, but lived reality.

And we are proud to play a role in this national transformation – raising awareness, building acceptance, and creating practical pathways to access.

Our programmes range from Adult Day Services and Life Skills Training to Therapeutic Riding, Environmental Education, and our newly launched Farm Shop. They are designed not just to teach, but to empower. In 2024 alone, over 1,220 individuals benefited from our programmes, including 168 participants with identified support needs who attended weekly sessions – totalling 7,440 experiences of growth, healing, and connection. Each one represents a step toward a more inclusive Bermuda.

As Bermuda works toward greater accessibility and inclusion for everyone, WindReach remains committed to leading with compassion, expertise, and community spirit. Our goal is not just to remove barriers, but to cultivate environments where every individual – regardless of ability— can participate fully, achieve their potential, and live with dignity.

Every milestone, every smile, and every new skill learned is made possible by the generosity of our community. Together, we can continue to dismantle barriers, open doors, and build a Bermuda where every individual has the opportunity to flourish.

To learn more, volunteer, or support our programmes, visit www.windreach.bm.