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

The film is part of a documentary series highlighting various stories of teenagers and young adults struggling with internet addiction. The film addresses the links between the use of social media 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 noticed that the trends were increasing and we didn’t have the most appropriate solutions,” said Grace Deshong, district supervisor for the Youth Office. “We think this would be a good entry for the docu-series to let families and kids really know what the dangers are and what realistic solutions can take place.”

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

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

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

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

The film will be shown at the Wayne Theater on October 29 at 18.00. Following the film, there will be a panel discussion for parents and students to interact with.

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