Programs explore growing up in the digital age

Parents, educators and students (teens and tweens) will have two chances this month to learn about the impact of tech time on youth development, and discover ways to better navigate the digital world.

Raising Resilience, a nonprofit organization supporting the Bainbridge Island community with parenting education and resources, will present the award-winning documentary “SCREENAGERS” next week at Bainbridge Cinemas.

The film — seen by more than 2 million people in 50-plus countries — is being brought back to Bainbridge by popular demand following its three previous “sold-out” screenings).

The documentary will be shown at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 8.

And on Tuesday, May 22, Dr. Delaney Ruston (the movie’s director, physician and a parent herself) will share surprising science and practical ideas in a follow-up presentation and discussion at the Bainbridge High School Commons. She will answer questions and offer more insight about parenting and growing up in the digital age.

“Finding new ways to balance technology in our homes remains one of the main concerns for the Island families, as evidenced by a recent parent survey,” said Sarah Baird, interim board president of Raising Resilience.

“In response, we have decided to take the learning experience a step further this time. In addition to the documentary screening, we have invited Dr. Ruston to share the latest research, along with her parenting experience, wit and keen sense of humor, to help us empower both adults and youth in our community to connect and find new ways to address this pressing issue,” she added.

“SCREENAGERS” is the first feature documentary to explore the impact of screen technology on kids and offer parents and families proven solutions that work. What started out as a personal story for one has grown into a national movement, helping millions of teens and their families navigate growing up in a world with instant access to screens.

Admission for the “Screenagers” movie is $5/pay what you can; “Dr. Ruston: Growing Up in the Digital World” is $10/pay what you can.

Both events were possible thanks to the generous donations to the One Call for All campaign made in support of Raising Resilience. The organization would also like to thank the Bainbridge Community Foundation for a grant to help provide parent education at Woodward Middle School.

To learn more or get involved, visit raisingresilience.org or follow the organization on Facebook.