Screenagers: Growing up in the Digital Age

As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting students and families in an increasingly digital world, Glenlyon Norfolk School is pleased to invite our community to a special screening of Screenagers: Growing Up In The Digital Age (2025 Edition) on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in Denford Hall. Screenagers is a powerful, research-informed documentary that examines how screen time, social media, gaming and constant connectivity are shaping young people’s development, mental health and relationships. Through expert perspectives and real family stories, the film offers both clarity and practical strategies for navigating technology with intention and care.

This updated 2025 edition is especially timely. It features new research and insights from leading voices, including Jonathan Haidt, author of The Anxious Generation, whose work has significantly shaped global conversations around adolescent mental health, attention and social development. The film explores the effects of technology on sleep, anxiety, learning and in-person relationships, while also addressing emerging issues such as phone and smartwatch use in schools. Importantly, Screenagers does not take a fear-based approach; instead, it invites thoughtful, evidence-based dialogue and empowers families with tools to set healthy boundaries and foster meaningful conversations at home.

Haidt’s research and the ideas explored in The Anxious Generation also provided important context and inspiration for GNS’s Unplugged cell phone policy, introduced during the 2024/2025 school year. Grounded in evidence around attention, well-being and social connection, this shift has been hugely successful. Students have reported stronger peer relationships, more face-to-face interaction, and a noticeably more positive social culture throughout the school day. The screening offers families valuable insight into the research behind this decision and reinforces the shared purpose between home and school in supporting healthy technology habits.

Families are warmly invited to continue the conversation at divisional coffee morning debriefs on Friday, January 16, 2026, hosted by school leadership across the Junior, Middle and Senior Schools. These sessions will provide space to reflect on the film’s themes, ask questions and explore how we can work together to support our students as they grow up in a digital age. We encourage all families to RSVP, submit questions in advance, and join us for this important community conversation as we continue to prioritize student well-being, connection, and balance—online and offline.

On Friday, January 16, 2026:

• Junior School Coffee Morning with Ms. Crystal Shea (to follow Friday Morning Live)
• Pemberton Woods Coffee Morning with Mr. Russ Marston, Middle School Principal, and Ms. Carolyn Green, Senior School Principal, (in the David Graham Learning Commons at 8:30 a.m.)

These coffee morning sessions will provide an opportunity to reflect on the film’s themes, share perspectives, and discuss how we can work together as a school community to support healthy technology habits.

RSVP and Submit Questions:
Please complete this form to confirm your attendance and indicate which coffee morning you plan to join. We also welcome any questions you’d like us to address during the debrief sessions.