Schools
Scroll down to read about my most popular talks to grades 7-12 and Post-Secondary students.
Past Clients:
Elementary School - High School
Why are students reporting feeling lonelier and more anxious than ever before? Are we moving in the right direction when speaking about mental health? What does mental health really mean? How is social media and tech changing thought patterns, emotions and behaviours?
Scott is here to answer these questions and support students well-being to make sure they flourish inside and out of the classroom.
Social Media and Mental Health
Students will gain a deeper understanding of the impact social media use has on their emotional wellbeing and how to use it safely. Scott shares his honest experience working at Twitter, Social Media Agencies and being a YouTuber, showing students the reality behind these platforms and inviting them to think critically about how they treat others online and what content they consume.
Students are immediately engaged as Scott shows background analytics to his own videos and how he personally has to manage his own screen-time and prioritizes what is truly important offline.
Scott's career on YouTube has been full of ups and downs and he feels compelled to share this with students. Students get the inside look behind the lens of what it's like being a Content Creator and help them see the reality of what they watch on social media. Scott has brought millions of people together in a positive forum online but also knows how social media can add a tremendous amount of stress, anxiety and loneliness for students. In this presentation, students learn:
- How to Decrease Phone Usage at Home and at School
- The Reality Behind Your Likes, Subscribers and Views
- How Using Social Media Changes How we Feel
- How to Use Instagram and YouTube for Social Good
- How to Deal with Cyber Bullying in Group Chats
Embracing Uncertainty (Grades 11-12 only)
In this transformative 1-hour talk designed specifically for grades 11-12 students, we will delve into the art of embracing uncertainty and fostering a compassionate mindset as they prepare for the next chapter in life. Navigating the unknown can be both exhilarating and daunting, and it's perfectly normal to feel a whirlwind of emotions. This mental health-focused session aims to provide students with the tools to understand and manage these feelings, encouraging them to approach this period of change with patience, self-compassion, and non-judgement. In this presentation, students learn:
Universities & Colleges
We find ourselves in strange emotional tangles when we are students. Within the present day structure of class and socialization, there is a daunting future ahead of uncertainty which can lead to a dizziness of freedom. Anxiety and stress tend to be common states and "stress and time management" classes don't seem to speak to students. As a graduate from the University of Waterloo, Scott empathizes with the emotional stress of being a student while offering tangible tools of inspiration for his audiences.
A Compassionate Approach to Stress & Anxiety
It was Scott's first year at the University of Waterloo when he truly felt the weight of anxiety and depression. The stress of studying, socialization and meeting the daily tasks of living were all too much. What do we do in times of hardship? What do we do when we feel lost, uncertain, stressed and miss the shores of home? In this talk students will learn:
- How To Managed His Mental Health Throughout 5 Years in School
- How To Help A Friend Who Is Struggling (Scott's Experience As A Residence Don)
- How To Manage Stress with Compassion and Meditative Techniques
- How To Be With Yourself In Times Of Hardship And Stress
Three Reasons to Book Scott
- Scott is an approved speaker for the TDSB, TCDSB, YRDSB and YCDSB and works with school boards across Canada. He has worked in a variety of industries, including holding positions at Twitter, the Canadian Mental Health Association, AdParlor and the Schizophrenia Society of Canada. His work experience is simply invaluable which allows him to back up what he expresses during his talks
- As the largest Canadian Mental Health YouTuber, Scott has reached over 35 million people with his online mental health content and has heard personally from thousands around the world. No other speaker offers the knowledge and experience Scott has online. He instantly connects with students for this reason alone.
- Scott has been there. He has been through anxiety disorders and dealt with major depressive disorders and came out stronger and more resilient than ever. He speaks from a place of empathy, compassion and understanding, knowing being a student today is not easy
Latest Testimonials
Scott’s presentation on social media and mental health was wildly successful with our students in grades 6-12. Feedback from both faculty members and students was unanimously positive and due to Scott’s engaging speaking style. From the first moments of the presentation, the audience was hooked, and many commented that they couldn’t believe the hour went by so quickly. Scott understood his audience, spoke to them in a language they understood and captured their attention. What else can you ask for in a speaker."
- Lotem Baram, Guidance Counsellor - Pickering College
Super informative presentations for both students and parents! Scott has been performing at Appleby College for the past few years and never disappoints! His professionalism along with his sense of humor, lightens the room and always creates a safe space. He is honest, enthusiastic, and a very engaging communicator.
Thank you so much for providing our community with the knowledge, resources and tools regarding internet safety and social media use, as well as mental health awareness. We look forward to having Scott back!"
- Patricia Smallbone, Manager of Parent Relations at Appleby College
What made his approach so unique and effective was the clear tools he laid out for students to understand the deeper meaning behind social media use and how if can affect their emotional well-being. Incredible presentation!"
- Holly Rouselle, Grade 5 Clearmeadow PS - YRDSB
We’ve had a lot of virtual presentations in our class this year. This one was the best. My grade 7 students were taught about a very important topic in such an engaging way. Scott found a way to take a potentially serious and heavy concept and made it interesting and meaningful for their age group. My students are STILL making references to what they learned. Thank you so much!
- Vanessa Seymour, Grade 7 Teacher at Mount Albert PS - YRDSB
We first brought Scott to The Mabin School to speak to our students about issues around social media and children's mental health. A charismatic and extremely knowledgeable presenter, he immediately created an easy rapport with our students, responding to their interests and questions intuitively and expertly. Impressed by our first experience we brought Scott back -- again and again -- to speak to students, staff, and parents. Each presentation was unique, carefully designed to meet the needs of each group and to create impact. We hope to continue to bring Scott in to support us in our efforts to teach about digital citizenship, the power of creativity, and the risks and benefits of participating in social media. His approach strikes the perfect balance of optimism, skepticism, and inspiration."
- Nancy Steinhauer, Principal of The Mabin School
Scott’s social media and mental health workshop was exactly what all intermediate students need to hear. Through his wonderful sense of humour and down to Earth approach, he built an excellent rapport with the students. This allowed him to discuss serious issues, safety concerns and pressures involves with using social media, all while maintaining a fully engaged audience. His message is essential for youth trying to navigate the continually com-plicated technological world. I highly recommend him and he will be coming to my school for years to come!"
- Dave Grant, Grade 8 Phoebe Gilman Public School - YRDSB
After seeing Scott speak at our board's annual Mental Health Symposium, our students knew that they wanted to invite him to speak in our own community. His honest and raw perspective on mental health is balanced by his sense of humour and great delivery. He was able to capture the attention of students and left them feeling positive about the steps that they can take to support others. I would highly recommend Scott and look forward to working with him again in the near future."
- Andrew Muia - Student Success Teacher at Loretto Abbey Catholic High School
Scott! I just wanted to thank you so much for your presentation to my grade 8's. This sparked such an important conversation as they head off to high school next year and were experiencing feelings of anxiety. Thank you for validating these feelings in such a compassionate way. Hope we see more of you in the future!"
- Allison Panizales, Grade 8 Glad Park PS - YRDSB
Scott engaged our Grade 12 students on the serious topic of mental health with humour and vulnerability. His message was spot on, clear and concise and he adapted his presentation for their age and stage so perfectly it felt as if he knew them. His passion for changing the landscape of mental health through connecting with youth is remarkable. I highly recommend Scott as a speaker for youth of all ages. We can’t wait to have him back!”
- Jenn Grant, Grade 5 Teacher at Clearmeadow Public School - YRDSB
Scott provided a realistic view of social media and the effects on young people. He was very interactive with the students and instantly gained their attention. His message invited the students to think about endless possi-bilities of learning, adventure and discovery by simply ‘looking up’ from their screens and exploring the world around them.”
- Jennifer Lillie, Director of Student Success at Greenwood College
Book Scott to Speak at Your School
Scott will answer personally within 48 hours of your request. Thank you for your interest!
