HYDE PARK- Join Hyde Park Central School District counselors and educators for a showing of the film “Screenagers Under The Influence: Addressing Vaping, Drugs, and Alcohol in the Digital Age” on April 10 at Haviland Middle School.
The film delves into how the tech revolution reshaped adolescence and its effects on substance use through interviews with doctors and scientific researchers. Franklin D. Roosevelt High School social worker Marisa Pearce noted that technology has become a resource for young people to obtain drugs and an addiction in and of itself.
“The way a phone app has been developed, it’s releasing dopamine instantly,” Pearce explained. “Without proper regulation or control, it can become an unhealthy habit.”
The film and event are intended to debunk myths and help parents recognize warning signs surrounding drug use, presenting strategies that can be used to encourage healthy decision making and emphasizing the importance of parents talking with their children about drug use when they are young from a non-judgmental standpoint.
“It’s more about creating an open discussion,” Pearce said. “It’s a documentary that’s important for our district.”
A Q&A session will occur after the film during which Pearce and her colleagues will assist families with any concerns and connect them with community providers if needed.
“Our aim is to focus on practical solutions to keep our kids safe,” Pearce said.
The evening begins promptly at 6 p.m. with the screening starting at 6:30. Light refreshments will be provided by the Haviland and FDR PTSA groups.
