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For me, the most concerning issue with screentime is the changing balance between the virtual and natural world in childhood. Today 90% of children's time is spent indoors. Most parents say that screentime is what is keeping their kids inside.  We are about to release a Portland-based documentary called PLAY AGAIN where we look at how this imbalance is impacting our children’s well being, our society and sustainability.

Technology is important – and we need it in so many ways, but when our children are playing more behind screens than outside, we need to ask ourselves what we are missing when we are in front of screens. We are now raising a generation that spends the least amount of time outdoors than any generation in history. Is our connection to the natural world important? What are the consequences of a childhood removed from nature?

In making this film it was really important for us to listen to what the kids have to teach us about their virtual realities.  We follow six teenagers from Portland who like “the average American child” spend five to fifteen hours a day behind screens. We unplug the teens and take them on their first wilderness adventure – no electricity, no cell phone coverage, no bathrooms.

The film is also based on interviews with over 40 experts including Richard Louv, Juliet Schor, Bill McKibben, Gary Small and David Suzuki.

We have a pre-release screening in Portland on May 15th at the Bagdad Theater at 7pm. One night only. Hope you can make it! www.playagainfilm.com

 

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