STAUNTON, Va. (WHSV) – The Central Shenandoah Valley Office on Youth will present a screening of “Screenagers Under the Influence” to inform teenagers and parents of the dangers of social media addiction.

The film is part of a docuseries highlighting different stories of teenagers and young adults struggling with internet addiction. The film addresses the connections between social media usage and the use of vapes, drugs and alcohol.

The Office on Youth hopes the film serves as a wake-up call to Valley families.

“We were noticing the trends were rising, and we weren’t having the most appropriate solutions,” Grace Deshong, District Supervisor for the Office on Youth, said. “We feel like this would be a great entry for the docuseries to let families and kids alike really know what the dangers are and what realistic solutions can take place.”

According to Deshong, the films will be a resource they’ve never had before. She hopes the film will reach students who are in similar situations as the kids in the film.

“These are real-life scenarios, these are real kids, real young adults in these docuseries,” Deshong said. “We’re hoping that kind of shines of light that this is happening here in our community, and these are kids they can see and put a face to, and understand they are going through the same struggles, and how they got through those same struggles.”

The film is not limited to social media users. Deshong said the gaming community is also at risk because people do not know who is behind the online ID.

“It’s letting these kids know that you got to really be careful of what’s out there,” Deshong said. “Not everybody is who they say you are and how vulnerable you can be when you are having these interactions online with potential strangers.”

The film will be screened at the Wayne Theater on Oct. 29 at 6 pm After the film, there will be a panel discussion for parents and students to interact with.

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