Screenagers: Elementary School Edition—A Must-See Documentary on Kids and Screen Time this Sunday

PATERSON, NJ - This Sunday, September 29, parents and guardians are encouraged to attend the premiere screening of Screenagers: Elementary School Edition , a documentary that examines the effects of screen time on children’s mental health. The screening will take place at 11:00 a.m. at the Upper Level Theater in Center City Mall, located at 301 Main St. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a special Q&A session with one of the film’s producers.

As technology continues to permeate everyday life, children are spending unprecedented amounts of time in front of screens. This trend has been linked to rising rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues among youth. The event aims to educate parents about these alarming effects and offer strategies for helping children reconnect with real-world experiences.

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The screening addresses a critical concern: the evolving digital divide. Lower- and middle-income children are increasingly susceptible to technology addiction compared to their wealthier peers. According to a recent New York Times article, this divide has shifted from access to technology to limiting access. Families with fewer resources often rely on screens due to a lack of extracurricular activities or childcare, while more affluent families are choosing to restrict screen time in favor of traditional play and social interaction.

“This film highlights a critical issue for our community,” First Lady and event organizer Farhanna Sayegh said. “We’re seeing how screen addiction disproportionately affects our children, especially in lower-income households. It’s important for parents to come together and learn how to balance technology use and provide meaningful, real-world experiences for their kids.”

Paterson parents are strongly encouraged to attend this screening to learn effective ways to manage their children’s screen time, promoting independence and self-regulation in technology use. This event is part of a larger initiative aimed at raising awareness about mental health and well-being in the digital age.

Tickets are available at Eventbrite .

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