Teen Struggles In Social Media Age: Film Screening In Pleasanton

PLEASANTON, CA — A film that examines the science behind teens' emotional challenges, the interplay of social media, and what we can do to help kids build crucial skills to navigate stress, anxiety and depression, will screen Jan. 16 as part of the City of Pleasanton's Community Education Series.

“Screenagers NEXT CHAPTER: Uncovering Skills for Stress Resilience” will screen at 7 p.m. at the Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Ave.

The film by physician Dr. Delaney Ruston follows the filmmaker as she finds herself at a loss on how to help her own teens as they struggle with emotional wellbeing in a screen-filled society. Ruston sets out to understand these challenges, and offers advice on how parents and educators can empower teens to overcome mental health challenges "and build emotional agility, communication savvy and stress resilience."

"We witness Delaney as she finds her way from ineffective parenting to much-improved strategies," according to a press release about the film. "We follow other personal stories of families from an array of backgrounds with a spectrum of emotional challenges. We also observe approaches in schools that provide strategies relevant beyond the classroom setting. Interwoven into the stories are surprising insights from brain researchers, psychologists and thought leaders that reveal evidence-based ways to support mental wellness among our youth.

"The impact of social media and other screen time is incorporated in all the topics raised in Screenagers NEXT CHAPTER, how it may be impacting our teens’ mental health, and what we can do to help foster youth in the face of struggles," the release continued.

The City of Pleasanton is encouraging parents/guardians to attend the film with their children (ages 11 and up). A panel discussion will follow the screening.

The screening is free but registration is recommended. Go to pleasantonfun.com and enter course code #18654

For more information on the Community Education Series, contact Andrea McGovern at 925-931-5359 or amcgovern@cityofpleasantonca.gov.