/** * Deprecated Functions of Astra Theme. * * @package Astra * @link https://wpastra.com/ * @since Astra 1.0.23 */ if ( ! defined( 'ABSPATH' ) ) { exit; } /** * Deprecating footer_menu_static_css function. * * Footer menu specific static CSS function. * * @since 3.7.4 * @deprecated footer_menu_static_css() Use astra_footer_menu_static_css() * @see astra_footer_menu_static_css() * * @return string Parsed CSS */ function footer_menu_static_css() { _deprecated_function( __FUNCTION__, '3.7.4', 'astra_footer_menu_static_css()' ); return astra_footer_menu_static_css(); } /** * Deprecating is_support_footer_widget_right_margin function. * * Backward managing function based on flag - 'support-footer-widget-right-margin' which fixes right margin issue in builder widgets. * * @since 3.7.4 * @deprecated is_support_footer_widget_right_margin() Use astra_support_footer_widget_right_margin() * @see astra_support_footer_widget_right_margin() * * @return bool true|false */ function is_support_footer_widget_right_margin() { _deprecated_function( __FUNCTION__, '3.7.4', 'astra_support_footer_widget_right_margin()' ); return astra_support_footer_widget_right_margin(); } /** * Deprecating prepare_button_defaults function. * * Default configurations for builder button components. * * @since 3.7.4 * @deprecated prepare_button_defaults() Use astra_prepare_button_defaults() * @param array $defaults Button default configs. * @param string $index builder button component index. * @see astra_prepare_button_defaults() * * @return array */ function prepare_button_defaults( $defaults, $index ) { _deprecated_function( __FUNCTION__, '3.7.4', 'astra_prepare_button_defaults()' ); return astra_prepare_button_defaults( $defaults, absint( $index ) ); } /** * Deprecating prepare_html_defaults function. * * Default configurations for builder HTML components. * * @since 3.7.4 * @deprecated prepare_html_defaults() Use astra_prepare_html_defaults() * @param array $defaults HTML default configs. * @param string $index builder HTML component index. * @see astra_prepare_html_defaults() * * @return array */ function prepare_html_defaults( $defaults, $index ) { _deprecated_function( __FUNCTION__, '3.7.4', 'astra_prepare_html_defaults()' ); return astra_prepare_html_defaults( $defaults, absint( $index ) ); } /** * Deprecating prepare_social_icon_defaults function. * * Default configurations for builder Social Icon components. * * @since 3.7.4 * @deprecated prepare_social_icon_defaults() Use astra_prepare_social_icon_defaults() * @param array $defaults Social Icon default configs. * @param string $index builder Social Icon component index. * @see astra_prepare_social_icon_defaults() * * @return array */ function prepare_social_icon_defaults( $defaults, $index ) { _deprecated_function( __FUNCTION__, '3.7.4', 'astra_prepare_social_icon_defaults()' ); return astra_prepare_social_icon_defaults( $defaults, absint( $index ) ); } /** * Deprecating prepare_widget_defaults function. * * Default configurations for builder Widget components. * * @since 3.7.4 * @deprecated prepare_widget_defaults() Use astra_prepare_widget_defaults() * @param array $defaults Widget default configs. * @param string $index builder Widget component index. * @see astra_prepare_widget_defaults() * * @return array */ function prepare_widget_defaults( $defaults, $index ) { _deprecated_function( __FUNCTION__, '3.7.4', 'astra_prepare_widget_defaults()' ); return astra_prepare_widget_defaults( $defaults, absint( $index ) ); } /** * Deprecating prepare_menu_defaults function. * * Default configurations for builder Menu components. * * @since 3.7.4 * @deprecated prepare_menu_defaults() Use astra_prepare_menu_defaults() * @param array $defaults Menu default configs. * @param string $index builder Menu component index. * @see astra_prepare_menu_defaults() * * @return array */ function prepare_menu_defaults( $defaults, $index ) { _deprecated_function( __FUNCTION__, '3.7.4', 'astra_prepare_menu_defaults()' ); return astra_prepare_menu_defaults( $defaults, absint( $index ) ); } /** * Deprecating prepare_divider_defaults function. * * Default configurations for builder Divider components. * * @since 3.7.4 * @deprecated prepare_divider_defaults() Use astra_prepare_divider_defaults() * @param array $defaults Divider default configs. * @param string $index builder Divider component index. * @see astra_prepare_divider_defaults() * * @return array */ function prepare_divider_defaults( $defaults, $index ) { _deprecated_function( __FUNCTION__, '3.7.4', 'astra_prepare_divider_defaults()' ); return astra_prepare_divider_defaults( $defaults, absint( $index ) ); } /** * Deprecating is_astra_pagination_enabled function. * * Checking if Astra's pagination enabled. * * @since 3.7.4 * @deprecated is_astra_pagination_enabled() Use astra_check_pagination_enabled() * @see astra_check_pagination_enabled() * * @return bool true|false */ function is_astra_pagination_enabled() { _deprecated_function( __FUNCTION__, '3.7.4', 'astra_check_pagination_enabled()' ); return astra_check_pagination_enabled(); } /** * Deprecating is_current_post_comment_enabled function. * * Checking if current post's comment enabled and comment section is open. * * @since 3.7.4 * @deprecated is_current_post_comment_enabled() Use astra_check_current_post_comment_enabled() * @see astra_check_current_post_comment_enabled() * * @return bool true|false */ function is_current_post_comment_enabled() { _deprecated_function( __FUNCTION__, '3.7.4', 'astra_check_current_post_comment_enabled()' ); return astra_check_current_post_comment_enabled(); } /** * Deprecating ast_load_preload_local_fonts function. * * Preload Google Fonts - Feature of self-hosting font. * * @since 3.7.4 * @deprecated ast_load_preload_local_fonts() Use astra_load_preload_local_fonts() * @param string $google_font_url Google Font URL generated by customizer config. * @see astra_load_preload_local_fonts() * * @return string */ function ast_load_preload_local_fonts( $google_font_url ) { _deprecated_function( __FUNCTION__, '3.7.4', 'astra_load_preload_local_fonts()' ); return astra_load_preload_local_fonts( $google_font_url ); } /** * Deprecating ast_get_webfont_url function. * * Getting webfont based Google font URL. * * @since 3.7.4 * @deprecated ast_get_webfont_url() Use astra_get_webfont_url() * @param string $google_font_url Google Font URL generated by customizer config. * @see astra_get_webfont_url() * * @return string */ function ast_get_webfont_url( $google_font_url ) { _deprecated_function( __FUNCTION__, '3.7.4', 'astra_get_webfont_url()' ); return astra_get_webfont_url( $google_font_url ); } Gaming as a Catalyst for Canadian Youth Mental Health – Vericonn

Gaming as a Catalyst for Canadian Youth Mental Health

By /

For decades, video gaming has been dismissed as a passive leisure activity, yet research increasingly reveals its profound, often overlooked role in supporting mental well-being—especially among Canada’s youth. While screen time debates persist, studies from organizations like the see details and the Canadian Pediatric Society highlight how gaming can foster resilience, social connection, and even therapeutic benefits when approached intentionally. The shift from stigma to strategic engagement reflects a broader cultural evolution: gaming is no longer just entertainment, but a dynamic tool for mental health advocacy and community-building.

One of the most compelling examples comes from Quebec, where the Montreal-based organization Play Amo has partnered with schools and youth centres to integrate gaming into mental health programming. Their “Mindful Gaming” initiative, which includes guided play sessions and reflective discussions, has shown a 30% reduction in reported anxiety symptoms among participants aged 12–18, according to a 2023 pilot study. The key lies in structuring gaming as an interactive, goal-oriented experience—whether through cooperative multiplayer challenges or narrative-driven games that encourage problem-solving—rather than treating it as mindless consumption. This approach mirrors the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), where structured activities help redirect negative thought patterns.

The economic impact of this shift is also notable. The Canadian gaming industry, which employs over 20,000 people and contributes $4.5 billion annually to the economy, is increasingly seen as a sector with a social responsibility. Companies like Ubisoft and EA Canada have launched initiatives like the “Gaming for Good” fund, which provides grants to organizations like Play Amo to develop mental health programs. For instance, Ubisoft’s collaboration with the Canadian Mental Health Association resulted in the creation of “The Last of Us Part II” educational resources, designed to address themes of trauma and recovery through gameplay. These partnerships demonstrate how corporate investment can bridge the gap between gaming culture and mental health advocacy.

Yet challenges remain. Critics argue that unmoderated gaming environments can exacerbate issues like social isolation or exposure to toxic online behaviour. Play Amo’s work addresses this by emphasizing “gaming literacy”—teaching youth how to navigate digital spaces safely and critically. Their “Digital Citizenship” curriculum, now taught in 150+ schools across Ontario, includes modules on recognizing manipulative content, fostering healthy relationships, and setting boundaries. The curriculum’s success is evidenced by a 40% improvement in students’ ability to identify online harm, according to a 2022 evaluation by the University of Toronto.

Looking ahead, the intersection of gaming and mental health is poised for further innovation. Emerging technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are being explored as tools for exposure therapy, particularly for conditions like PTSD. For example, a VR program developed by the University of British Columbia’s Centre for Brain Health uses immersive scenarios to help veterans process traumatic memories in a controlled environment. While still in testing phases, such applications highlight the potential for gaming to become a mainstream therapeutic modality.

The conversation around gaming and mental health is not just about what games can do for individuals—it’s about redefining how society views digital engagement. As Play Amo’s research demonstrates, gaming is not inherently harmful or beneficial; its impact depends on how it’s designed, accessed, and supported. By centering youth voice and evidence-based practices, Canada is leading the way in turning gaming from a cultural backwater into a powerful ally for mental wellness. The future of gaming isn’t just about pixels and power-ups; it’s about people—and the care they deserve.

  • Play Amo’s “Mindful Gaming” initiative reduced anxiety symptoms by 30% in youth aged 12–18.
  • The Canadian gaming industry contributes $4.5 billion annually to the economy, with 20,000+ direct jobs.
  • Ubisoft’s “Gaming for Good” fund has allocated over $1.2 million to mental health programs since 2021.
  • Play Amo’s Digital Citizenship curriculum improved students’ ability to identify online harm by 40%.
  • VR exposure therapy programs show promise for PTSD treatment, with pilot studies underway at UBC.

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