Episode 5: Pursuit of Happiness

Episode 7: Another Choice

In this episode of 4Students, our guests share their experiences attending alternative school. They address common misconceptions about alternative schools, discuss the benefits of attending an alternative school versus a collegiate, and offer recommendations for improving mainstream schools. The conversation explores how alternative schools can better support attendance, mental health, and the development of positive relationships between students and teachers. The episode concludes with advice for students who are currently struggling in school. 4Students is a Toronto District School Board production hosted by school and clinical psychologist Dr. Aarti Kumar and engineered by social worker Kadeam Cox. For comments or questions, please contact: aarti.kumar@tdsb.on.ca and kadeam.cox@tdsb.on.ca.

Episode 6: Game Over

On this episode of 4Students, our sound engineer Kadeam joins Aarti and two special guests to dive into the world of gaming. Together, they explore the positives and negatives of gaming for teenagers, including online communities, toxic behavior, violence in video games, and staying safe online. The conversation wraps up with practical advice on how to maintain a healthy balance as a gamer and student. 4Students is a Toronto District School Board production hosted by school and clinical psychologist Dr. Aarti Kumar and engineered by social worker Kadeam Cox. For comments or questions, please contact: aarti.kumar@tdsb.on.ca and kadeam.cox@tdsb.on.ca.

Episode 5: Pursuit of Happiness

In this episode, students unpack the role of money in shaping happiness and wellbeing. They reflect on the risks of prioritizing wealth, the realities of financial stress among youth, and the broader impact of poverty on mental and emotional health. 4Students is a Toronto District School Board production hosted by school and clinical psychologist Dr. Aarti Kumar and engineered by social worker Kadeam Cox. For comments or questions, please contact: aarti.kumar@tdsb.on.ca and kadeam.cox@tdsb.on.ca.

Episode 4: Hallway Heartbreak

February’s episode features Aarti in conversation with three female-identifying students as they explore the realities of romantic relationships in high school. Together, they reflect on handling rejection, navigating parental expectations around dating, and how each person’s experiences are shaped by their unique social location. Through honest stories and thoughtful discussion, the episode highlights the complexities of young love in 2026. 4Students is a Toronto District School Board production hosted by school and clinical psychologist Dr. Aarti Kumar and engineered by social worker Kadeam Cox. For comments or questions, please contact: aarti.kumar@tdsb.on.ca and kadeam.cox@tdsb.on.ca.

Episode 3: Breaking the Rotation

In this episode, students team up with Aarti to talk honestly about how teens are exposed to drugs and why some continue using them. Aarti explains how substances can affect the developing brain and why this knowledge matters. The students also share powerful ideas on how schools can create safer spaces and better support teens facing these challenges. 4Students is a Toronto District School Board production hosted by school and clinical psychologist Dr. Aarti Kumar and engineered by social worker Kadeam Cox. For comments or questions, please contact: aarti.kumar@tdsb.on.ca and kadeam.cox@tdsb.on.ca.