The city will be screening an award-winning film that shows the struggles of kids and social media. Screenagers: Growing up in a Digital Age was made by Delaney Ruston after she learned her own kids and the average child spends 6.5 hours a day looking at screens.
The 67-minute film looks “into the vulnerable corners of life and depicts messy struggles over social media, video games and academics,” said a Facebook post by the city. It will also offer solutions on how to help kids navigate the new digital world.
Manager of social programs and services Patrick Lancaster says the idea to screen the film came from the social needs assessment where some Lloydminster residents felt isolated in the community.
“One of the things that we’re working on out of the social needs assessment is that we’re trying to build more connection amongst the community and connection even on an individual basis. When people take time to disconnect from their devices and find some balance in that they are better connected with each other.”
After the movie, a short discussion will follow. Lancaster says he hopes people who view the film are able to talk with their families about finding a balance for screen time.
“They’ll have a better understanding of some of the risks and some of the harms of unrestricted screen time. Also, have some ways that they can have conversations within their households about how to strike more of a balance.”
The free event will happen on October 25 at College Park School from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. People interested will have to register for tickets before October 22.