For Immediate Release

Monday, Sept. 30, 2019

Media Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net

Medway Public Schools Invites Parents to Attend Film Screening, Panel About Screen Time and Stress Resilience in Teenagers

MEDWAY — Superintendent Armand Pires would like to invite parents to attend the district’s screening of “Screenagers: Next Chapter” next month. Parents will be able to watch the film and hear from a panel of experts to learn about how screen time may be affecting their teenagers.

WHEN:

Wednesday, Oct. 16, at 7-8:30 p.m.

WHERE:

Medway High School auditorium, 88 Summer St.

WHAT:

Hosted by Medway’s T.H.R.I.V.E. and SEPAC, parents are invited to attend a screening of “Screenagers: Next Chapter.”

The film follows a physician who tries to find a way to help her own teenagers with their mental and emotional well-being. The film, which includes input from brain researchers, psychologists and other thought-leaders, explores how teenagers’ well-being is impacted by screens and how parents and schools can help teenagers develop skills to overcome mental and emotional health challenges.

The film will be shown to all Medway middle and high school students during school that day.

T.H.R.I.V.E. and SEPAC are hosting the event because student data shows that over the last several years anxiety has been one of the greatest health concerns. This rise in student anxiety is correlated with an increase in screen time and social media use. The groups hope that having both students and parents watch the film will initiate a discussion about screen time and its impact on mental health.

“Having a conversation with your child about mental health and screen time can be challenging,” Medway Public Schools Director of Wellness Dr. Ryan Sherman said. “However, it is our hope that by both parties watching the same film on the same day, it will provide a jumping-off point toward a discussion that allows the parent and student to share their experiences and thoughts about these issues.”

Following the screening, there will be a panel discussion. The panel will feature the following experts in the field of mental health and screen time: Rose Cheyette from Samaritans Inc., Medway Public Schools Technology Integration Specialist Ryan Camire and both a high school and elementary school social worker.

“One of our most important priorities as a district is the wellness of our students,” Superintendent Pires said. “Students are usually attached to their electronics so it’s important that they and their parents understand how screen time can affect them and what they can do to ensure it doesn’t negatively affect their well-being.”

About Medway T.H.R.I.V.E.:

Medway T.H.R.I.V.E. (Tools for Health, Resiliency, Inclusiveness, Vitality and Empowerment) is a committee dedicated to providing wellness-related, family enrichment opportunities to the Medway community. T.H.R.I.V.E. is comprised of a cross-sectional group of Medway Public School administrators, teachers and staff, as well as numerous parent representatives.

About Medway SEPAC:

The Special Education Parent Advisory Council advises the school committee on matters that affect the education of students with disabilities and provides input on district special education programs.

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