“Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition” coming to school sites in the Beach Cities

BCHD, South Bay Families Connected and school districts host screenings of documentary dealing with digital citizenship

REDONDO BEACH, Calif. (September 19, 2024) – Physician and filmmaker Delaney Ruston’s new film, “Screenagers: Elementary School Edition” will be shown at schools throughout the Beach Cities this fall, thanks to a partnership between Beach Cities Health District (BCHD), South Bay Families Connected,  Hermosa Beach City School District (HBCSD), Manhattan Beach Unified School District (MBUSD) and Redondo Beach Unified School District (RBUSD).

The screenings begin Tuesday, September 24 at Hermosa Vista Elementary School in HBCSD, with four other events currently scheduled: Oct. 1 at Pacific Elementary (MBUSD), Oct. 7 at Tulita Elementary (RBUSD), Oct. 9 at Washington Elementary (RBUSD) and Oct. 29 at Robinson Elementary (MBUSD). Each screening begins at 5:30 p.m. and is open to parents from any school.

This new version of the original Screenagers movie addresses issues that elementary school-aged kids, parents and educators are facing, like smartwatches in class, unhooking from and monitoring video gaming, social media pressures and exposure to digital devices too young. The film also looks at the many possible solutions to these and other challenges.

“Parenting today can be a real challenge, especially with technology having a profound impact on children,” said Tom Bakaly, CEO of BCHD. “This film includes insights from many experts, which parents can learn from to help moderate their kids’ use of cell phones, video games, social media and more.”

The screenings are free and open to parents, caregivers and teens throughout the South Bay. Please register in advance at www.bchd.org/youthtech. BCHD will have staff from AdventurePlex on hand to provide free childcare for parents interested in attending the event**.

WHAT: “Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition”
WHEN: Multiple dates, beginning Sept. 24
WHERE: Various Beach Cities Elementary Schools, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
TO REGISTER: Visit www.bchd.org/youthtech

** Childcare is available for children 4 and older who are able to use the restroom on their own.

Media Contact: Dan Smith, dan.smith@bchd.org  or 310-374-3426, ext. 8165