Jewish Family Services’ Tara’s Closet, Mandell JCC, and BBYO will present ‘Eighth Grade: A Look at the Impact of Social Media on Teen Life.’

Submitted

Jewish Family Services’ Tara’s Closet, with community partners the Mandell JCC and BBYO, will present a free screening of the film “Eighth Grade” followed by a panel discussion with mental health professionals and teens.

Thirteen-year-old Kayla endures the tidal wave of contemporary suburban adolescence as she makes her way through the last week of middle school marking the end of a disastrous eighth grade year before she begins high school. Described as one of the most painfully authentic cinematic portraits of life as a young teenager, “Eighth Grade” has been generating enthusiastic buzz.

The movie will be shown during National Bullying Prevention Month, a campaign held during the month of October which unites communities nationwide to educate and raise awareness of bullying prevention. “Eighth Grade” explores how social media impacts teenagers’ lives, opening themselves up to wanting what others have, unfair comparisons, unwanted criticism that can walk the line of cyber bullying and letting “likes” and a number of followers define them.

This film and the discussion to follow is appropriate for parents as well as teens. Parents are encouraged to attend along with their teenagers.

A panel discussion comprised of mental health professionals, teens, and teachers will discuss the movie and offer advice to parents. Teenagers will also offer testimonials on how they deal with social media. The panel discussion will be moderated by Dennis House, WFSB Channel 3 Eyewitness News anchor and Face the State moderator.

The film and discussion will be presented on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2018 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Mandell JCC of Greater Hartford located at 335 Bloomfield Ave. in West Hartford, CT.

Admission is free with a winter outerwear item donation (jacket, coat, gloves) for men, women and children in need. Reserve tickets today: http://bit.ly/JFSEighthGrade.

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