As students head back to class, families and educators face familiar challenges—from managing lice and pinworm outbreaks to fostering meaningful social connections. This back-to-school story package offers expert insights and timely tips to help communities support student health, well-being, and success.

Feeling itchy? – How to identify and treat head lice and pinworm infections
With summer camps and back-to-school season approaching, families across Nova Scotia are bracing for the unwelcome return of head lice and pinworm infections—two common but often misunderstood childhood health issues. Heather Penney, an instructor in Dal’s College of Pharmacy, can shed light on how to identify, treat, and prevent these persistent parasites. From over-the-counter remedies to public health strategies, Heather can offer practical, evidence-based advice for parents, educators, and healthcare providers. She can also demystify these conditions and share the latest guidance on keeping kids healthy and itch-free.

Navigating peer pressure and social influence in the social media age
As social media continues to shape how young people connect, express themselves, and form identities, the pressure to conform and seek validation online has never been more intense. Dr. Michael Ungar professor in the School of Social Work and founder and director of the  Resilience Research Centre at Dalhousie University, is available to provide insight on how teens and young adults can recognize and resist unhealthy peer influence in digital spaces. Dr. Ungar can offer practical tools for helping youth and young adults in building resilience, fostering self-awareness, and promoting positive social and online behavior.  

Online bullying: What parents and teachers need to know this school year
The digital world continues to shape students social lives—bringing with it the growing threat of online bullying. Dr. Wayne MacKay, a leading voice on cyberbullying and digital rights, can offer timely insights into how families and schools can recognize the signs of online harassment and respond effectively. From subtle behavioral changes to proactive prevention strategies, he can provide practical guidance for creating safer, more supportive online spaces for youth.

Back-to-school shopping – marketing strategies that make parents open their walletsFamilies are currently gearing up for the back-to-school season, and retailers are rolling out their biggest campaigns of the year — but what really drives consumer behavior during this critical shopping window? Marketing strategist Dr. Dan Shaw, with Dalhousie’s Faculty of Management, is available to provide commentary on the evolving trends in back-to-school marketing, from the rise of digital-first campaigns to the emotional triggers that influence parents and students alike. Dr. Shaw can also offer insights into what’s working, what’s not, and how brands can connect with today’s value-conscious shoppers. 

Curbing the spread of communicable diseases in schools
Schools are one space that can become hotspots for the rapid spread of communicable diseases like flu, measles, and COVID-19. Dalhousie has infectious disease specialists who can provide insight on how schools, parents, and communities can work together to reduce transmission. With a focus on evidence-based prevention—such as vaccination, proper hygiene, ventilation, and symptom monitoring, they can speak to practical, age-appropriate strategies to keep students healthy and classrooms safe. 

Tips for packing nutritious lunches when heading back-to-school and work after the summer break 
It’s a challenge during the busy back to school timeframe, to ensure families are planning for and packing p healthy, appealing lunches. Dr. Leah Cahill, associate professor and community health and epidemiology expert, can offer practical tips for creating balanced lunches that fuel focus and energy for both kids and adults. Dr. Cahill can speak to key things to avoid when choosing readymade and convenient snacks and lunches, smart meal prep strategies, budget-friendly ingredients, and creative ways to keep lunches nutritious and exciting.

Active commuting encouraging movement while learning
This time of year is an opportunity to rethink how we move through our communities in ways that promote physical and mental well-being—while also contributing to climate action. Dr. Sara Kirk, Professor in Dalhousie’s School of Health and Human Performance and a Scholar with the Healthy Populations Institute, can offer insight into the benefits of active travel, play, and commuting. She can also discuss the importance of policies and infrastructure that support safe, accessible, and sustainable options for students to stay active and engaged before, during and after the school day.

Inspiring active learning environments
Children often don’t get enough physical activity during the school day—but what if movement could be part of learning itself? Dr. Sara Kirk can speak to how integrating physical activity into classroom routines can enhance both health and academic outcomes. She can also share strategies to empower children and youth to become leaders in building school communities that are healthy, vibrant, caring, and connected. With practical examples, Dr. Kirk can illustrate how educators can create meaningful opportunities for movement throughout the learning experience.

Building digital confidence - Online safety for children and youth
In today’s digital world, children and youth are not only encouraged—but often required—to maintain an online presence for schoolwork and extracurricular activities. As their digital exposure grows, so does the need for strong online safety practices. Dr. Nur Zincir-Heywood, Distinguished Research Professor and Associate Dean of Research in Dalhousie’s Faculty of Computer Science, can offer guidance on how parents and educators can foster safe, responsible, and informed internet use among children and students. From practical tips to policy considerations, Dr. Zincir-Heywood can provide valuable insights into creating a safer digital environment for young users.

Manosphere and incel culture in the classroom and how to deal with it
Incel culture has been at the forefront of pop culture films and shows like Adolescent and promoted by social media influencers. The rise in manosphere popularity groups across the globe and a in digital culture is having serious and harmful implications for youth mental health, education, and national security. Dr. Luc Cousineau, a researcher at Dalhousie University and Co-Director of Research at the Canadian Institute for Far-Right Studies (CIFRS), is at the forefront of investigating how online communities—particularly those rooted in anti-equity and masculinist ideologies—are shaping the beliefs and behaviors of young men across Canada. Dr. Cousineau can provide informed comment on how online radicalization is evolving in Canada, the role of social media algorithms in spreading extremist content, what educators and parents are seeing in schools and how we can build resilience and equity in digital spaces.

Please note – We ask that you please keep in mind that it is at the faculty member’s discretion as to whether they have the availability to accommodate your request.