The Fayette County School System in partnership with AVPRIDE will present free community screenings of “Screenagers: Growing Up in the Digital Age” at various high schools throughout the county. Screenagers is a documentary that explores the impact of screen technology on children, and offers solutions that work to help children find balance.
Parents and students (grades 4-12), and community members are invited to attend. The documentary is one hour, and there will be a short student-led discussion following each showing. No tickets are being sold, but seating is limited.
The following is a list of dates, locations and times for the public viewing: September 20, Sandy Creek High Auditorium, 6 p.m.; October 24, McIntosh High Auditorium, 7 p.m.; November 2, Fayette County High (Sams Auditorium), 6:30 p.m.; and November 8, Starr’s Mill High Auditorium, 7 p.m.
Persons interested in learning more about Screenagers can view a trailer airing on Comcast Cable Channel 24 at the top and half of every hour, seven days a week. The trailer is also available at www.fcboe.org. Click on the “Screenagers” graphic in the scrolling graphics at the top of the page.
Young people spend an average of 6.5 hours a day on cell phones, computers and other devices. That does not include the time they use screens for school and homework. Physician and mother of two, Dr. Delaney Ruston, became interested in this issue when her preteen started begging for a smart phone. Dr. Ruston saw other parents equally confused on how to balance technology with a young developing mind. She decided to delve deep into the science behind screen time to understand how it affects young people’s minds and development.
Through personal stories and input from leading researchers, Screenagers sheds light on the impact this screen time is having on children. The documentary explores how learning, playing and socializing online affects teens’ developing attention span, fragile self-esteem and moral instincts. Screenagers examines the real risks of failing in school, social isolation and digital addiction. Ultimately, the film explores solutions to handle screen time, and provides parents with tools to help young people develop self-control and find balance in their digital lives.
