By Desiree Williams
In conjunction with the Town of Zionsville, Zionsville Community Schools and Children’s Resource Group in Indianapolis, Zionsville United Methodist Church offer a viewing of “Screenagers NEXT CHAPTER: Uncovering Skills for Stress Resilience.”
The film screening is at 7 p.m. Nov. 13 and is the next event within the Strong Communities Gather. Talk. Act series, which began in April. The church is at 9644 Whitestown Rd.
“Screenagers NEXT CHAPTER,” is the sequel to a 2016 documentary by Dr. Delaney Ruston, a physician and filmmaker. Both films explore how screen technology impacts youth and offer practical solutions for parents, teachers and the community. In “Screenagers NEXT CHAPTER,” Ruston navigates the challenge with her own children, finding strategies that empower teens to conquer mental health challenges and stress. Weaved throughout her narrative are testimonials from experts, such as psychologists and researchers.
After watching the film, ZUMC Rev. David Williamson said he wants the community to understand the importance of expressing feelings rather than suppressing them and implementing boundaries around screen time. Williamson wants the event to provide a safe space for all to acknowledge and openly discuss such issues.
“We hope to give people concrete steps they can take to help their children with stress and anxiety,” he said.
The film offers various approaches, some of which ZCS already applies.
“As part of Strong in Every Way, ZCS has already implemented several of the strategies from the film, including our K-12 social/emotional learning curriculum that was funded by our Lilly Endowment grant and moving our secondary school start times based on the neuroscience research,” said Kris Devereaux, chief academic officer.
After the screening, there will be two panel discussions. One panel will focus on high school students while the other will highlight late elementary and middle school students.
The event is free, but registration is required. To register, visit eventcombo.com.
