There’s no doubt that a movie/documentary like Screenagers makes everyone think, even for a moment, about how screen time REALLY affects us all.  Adults and children alike.

I’m a techie at heart, and I work in the industry, so the subject of technology is of keen interest to me.  We, the PVG team, didn’t know what to expect from the movie, but after watching the trailer, we knew there would be great real life scenarios presented, along with scientific findings, and they didn’t disappoint.

Here are some highlights that we feel are worth exploring through conversations with our spouses, kids, friends and co-workers.

• Adults/Parents are role models that the younger generation watches. Don’t be fooled into thinking they don’t pay attention. In other words, if you don’t walk the talk, don’t bother talking!
• Agreements aren’t successful when they’re dictated by one side. Do your best to create an open and trusting space for conversations about what both sides need! Aim for win-win agreements.
• There’s enough scientific research now that leans toward the cautionary side of screen time (both digital devices and gaming) and how it can lead to internet addiction including symptoms of irritability or anger.
• Hormones in teens can create the ideal climate for addiction to technology or the internet – if it’s not monitored or kept in check.
• Watch for irritability ( in your kids and yourself! ) or anger, when someone is asked to disconnect. It’s a sign that something is out of balance.
• Keep devices out of the bedroom! You’ll all get better sleep. Old fashioned alarm clocks are worth your sleep.
• YOU are not alone. A large number of parents struggle with how to approach their children about setting boundaries and guidelines or how to create agreements/contracts around tech usage.  Here are a couple of links to start the process:  Safer Schools Together Phone and Technology Use Sample Contract & Screenagers Movie Sample Family Contract

At the end of this movie, we all walked away with a ton of information that I’m sure is still bubbling in many minds. The greatest thing was that it opened the door for families to talk with more ease about the use of technology and the possible negative effects it could have on our lives, including our emotional, mental, and physical health. 

The Fraser Academy PVG was proud to share this movie with 289 tickets sold – so we know it’s a popular subject of discussion. We are grateful to all who helped make the event a success.

For more information on the movie, including resources from the director/producer, Delaney Ruston, please visit www.screenagersmovie.com under the Resources tab. 

We’ve signed up for Tech Talk Tuesdays, and look forward to gaining more knowledge about this vast subject. If you’re interested in having a coffee or coming to a follow-up gathering to talk more about this, let us know – we are open to creating the space for this to happen.

We invite you to send us your comments or insights from the movie by emailing us fapvg@fraseracademy.ca

With gratitude,

Marielle Smith

PVG Chair