Norwalk Partnership announces FREE screenings of new film Screenagers Under The Influence: Addressing Vaping, Drugs, and Alcohol in the Digital Age

NORWALK, CT, November 11, 2023 – Our teens see peers vaping in school bathrooms and on buses. Dealers direct-message middle schoolers on Instagram and Snapchat to sell weed. Popular shows like Euphoria show teens partying using alcohol and marijuana. Through movies, social media, and influencers, today’s kids are subject to constant messaging that portrays underage substance use as normal and appealing, however, that’s not reality.

 

“We are concerned that underage substance use may be starting to increase again in Norwalk,” Margaret Watt, prevention director at Positive Directions and member of The Norwalk Partnership (TNP) leadership team, explained. “Last year, our youth survey found that the vast majority of students were making healthy choices around avoiding drug use, and we want to keep it that way.” 

 

To raise awareness and offer resources, The Norwalk Partnership, the local prevention coalition, is offering two upcoming opportunities for families to watch and discuss the newest film in the Screenagers series: “Screenagers Under the Influence.”

• Film screening for high school families: At Norwalk High, on Monday, November 20 at 6:30 P.M. followed by a panel discussion with local prevention, counseling, and school security experts. 

• Film screening for Ponus and CMS families: At Ponus Ridge Middle School, on Wednesday, December 6 at 6:30 P.M. Event will include a health & wellness fair. Pizza will be provided while supplies last and there will be a raffle.

• Film is subtitled in Spanish.  

• RSVP optional at thenorwalkpartnership.org/events

Like the first two Screenagers films, “Screenagers Under The Influence” interweaves cutting-edge science with personal stories to create an informative and entertaining film experience for young people and adults alike. The film focuses on practical solutions for keeping our teens safe in a changing world. The film license was generously donated by the Norwalk Education Foundation (NEF).

Norwalk Public Schools and NEF encourage all families to attend one of these events to get informed and be able to support their children. School and community resource people will be available to answer questions. 

About The Norwalk Partnership:

TNP is a coalition of community members and organizations working together to prevent substance misuse and promote mental wellness in Norwalk youth. TNP’s work includes conducting the biannual Norwalk Youth Survey, providing educational programs, developing initiatives such as Liquor Stickers, NorWALK for Mental Health, and Teen Nights Out, and working to improve the community and policy environment. Visit thenorwalkpartnership.org