Over the next two months, nearly 4,000 youth currently under BC government care will be receiving an iPhone.
The Ministry's Phones4Youth program, the first of its kind in BC, is beginning to distribute smartphones from Telus to every BC youth in care aged 13 or older, regardless of their care status.
“Youth in care told us they don’t always have access to the essential technology they need to stay connected to school and key people in their lives, like friends, family members or mentors,” said Mitzi Dean, Minister of Children and Family Development.
“Access to a phone can support youth in building their self-esteem and sense of belonging, and help them to maintain important hereditary and cultural connections, as well as enhance their safety, so they can call for immediate assistance if they ever need it. As we continue to slowly emerge from the pandemic, having a phone can help to alleviate the feelings of loneliness and isolation for young people.”
This is the initial roll out of the program, but it will continue to be ongoing with additional smartphones being provided when any youth in care - or under an agreement with the ministry - reaches the age of eligibility.
Youth will receive a phone with five gigabytes of data, along with a phone case, screen protector and charger free of charge, as the government will cover all costs.
“Youth in government care don’t always have access to many of the traditional supports their peers rely on,” said Pat Griffin, executive director, Victoria Youth Empowerment Society.
“Providing this technology will not only help level the playing field, but it gives them a better chance to participate in school, in day-to-day social life that is a central feature of teen development and identity, and in the job market as they get older. This type of support is absolutely necessary, as we increasingly depend on cell phones and apps for sharing information and accessing vital services.”
As of August 2021, BC had 5,163 children and youth in government care, the lowest number in 30 years.
To learn more about supports and services for youth in government care click here.
