A free film showing and discussion of ‘Screenagers Under The Influence: Addressing Vaping, Drugs, and Alcohol in the Digital Age’ will take place Nov. 2 at Bristow Middle School in West Hartford, followed by a panel discussion.

Submitted 

Kids vape in school bathrooms. Dealers direct-message teens on Instagram and Snapchat. Cannabis is legal in Connecticut, and psychedelics may be soon to follow.

The constant, 24-hour deluge of content pushing the normalcy of drugs, alcohol, and vaping on social media, TV, movies, ads, influencers, etc., preys on our youth. The substance use culture has never been more appealing and accessible to teens than it is today.

“Screenagers Under The Influence: Addressing Vaping, Drugs, and Alcohol in the Digital Age,” the third feature documentary in the “Screenagers” trilogy, delves into how the tech revolution has reshaped adolescence and its effects on substance use. The film features national experts who understand adolescent development, digital media, and youth substance use and addiction. It debunks myths and depicts strategies parents and schools can use to encourage healthy decision-making, support teen mental health, set limits, and create healthy home environments. It also includes many ways young people are using their wisdom and strength to help each other and themselves through this complicated terrain around substance use.

The film is suitable for adult caregivers and students sixth grade and up.

The program will include watching the 70-minute film followed by a panel discussion with teens. It is being held on Thursday, Nov. 2 from 6:45-8:30 p.m. at Bristow Middle School, 34 Highland Street in West Hartford. Prevention resources from community organizations will be available.

Hosts are West Hartford’s Community of Concern (CC), Prevention Partnership (WHPP), and Public Schools (WHPS).

To receive reminders and updates about the event, please RSVP here.

To view the film’s trailer, click here.

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