Bill Colrus
Right now, record numbers of young people are dealing with unprecedented levels of stress, anxiety, anger, depression, and other mental health issues that can lead to negative — and often tragic — outcomes if not properly addressed. These issues have been exacerbated by the ever-growing usage of screens and social media.
In response, the Social Emotional Learning Alliance for South Carolina (SEL4SC) Community Engagement Series is presenting free public screenings of two crucial documentary films: “Next Chapter” and “Elementary School Age Edition.” Both events are free and open to the public and followed by Q&A sessions featuring panels of mental health, parenting, and/or education experts. In addition, community agencies will be on site with additional information and resources.
Created by filmmaker and physician Dr. Delaney Ruston, “Next Chapter” examines the science behind teen’s emotional challenges, the interplay of social media, and most importantly, what can be done in our schools and homes to help them build crucial skills to navigate stress, anxiety, and depression in our digital age. The film will be shown at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 24 at Wando High School.
Click here to register for this free event: https://forms.gle/
Tailored for elementary school students, parents, and educators, “Elementary School Age Edition” explores how screen time may be impacting our kids' academics and mental health and what we can do to help support them in the face of these struggles. The film will be shown at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, March 31 at Wando High School.
Click here to register for this free event: https://forms.gle/
The March 24 event is presented in collaboration with the Wando HS School Improvement Council. The March 31 event is presented in collaboration with Carolina Park, Pinkckney, and Jennie Moore elementary schools. We are grateful for their help in empowering students and parents.
“These events help parents and children have meaningful discussions about technology’s influence on crucial mental and emotional health issues,” says Wendy Methvin, executive director of SEL4SC. “We are honored to have an opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of families across South Carolina with this series.”
Parents, educators, PTAs, religious organizations, medical practices, and other organizations in South Carolina can book their own Community Engagement Series events by contacting Wendy Methvin at wmethvin@sel4sc.org.
Click here to learn more about SEL4SC’s Community Engagement Series: https://sel4sc.org/community-
