BELFAST — More than one of every ten high school students is vaping, according to newly released federal data. Among middle school students, about 5% said they’ve used e-cigarettes. As researchers continue to study the impact of vaping on users of all ages, a new study revealed vaping in teens has been linked to lowered academic performance, decreased student engagement, and increased depression.

Screenagers Under The Influence: Addressing Vaping, Drugs, and Alcohol in the Digital Age, the third feature documentary in the Screenagers trilogy, delves into how the tech revolution has reshaped adolescence and its effects on substance use. The film debunks myths and depicts strategies parents and schools can use to encourage healthy decision-making, support teen mental health, set limits, and create healthy home environments. The film also includes many ways young people are using their wisdom and strength to help each other and themselves through this complicated terrain around substance use.

Through the generosity of the city’s newly reopened and community-minded Colonial Theatre, the school will host a free public screening of the film on Tuesday, April 9, at 6:30 p.m. The evening’s screening is largely intended for adults – the Troy Howard Middle School and RSU 71 parent and guardian community, family members, educators, mental health providers, and any interested community members; THMS students will attend daytime screenings of the film, also hosted by the Colonial Theatre. 

The April 9 screening will be followed by a short discussion with local educators and experts Ben Maillioux M.D., family practice physician at Waldo County Medical Practice; Kara Wisniewski, Ph.D., N.C.S.P., School Psychologist/Regional Coordinator at Dirigo Consulting, LLC; Faith Boynton, Youth Development Director at the Waldo County YMCA; and School Resource Officer Kevin Littlefield of the Belfast Police Department.

“We see the negative impact that vaping, drugs, and alcohol have on our community and students,” said Alta Seekins, principal of Troy Howard Middle School, in Belfast. “We are concerned about the effects of teen addiction and the toll it takes on their mental health, social-emotional wellbeing, and their ability to learn. The findings from this study reinforce what we are hearing from school staff across the area, and issue an urgent warning for all parents, administrators, and teens to take action.”

The administration and teachers at Troy Howard Middle School are doing just that. Mobilizing funds from a recently-awarded Stronger Connections Grant, and with the help of the THMS’ Parent/Teacher Group (PTG), the school has purchased rights to multiple screenings of Screenagers Under the Influence: Addressing Vaping, Drugs, and Alcohol in the Digital Age. The Maine Department of Education has allocated approximately $4.8 million in federally funded Stronger Connections Grants – designed to enhance initiatives to promote safer, more inclusive, and positive school environments for all students, educators, and school staff – across the state this year.

Screenagers Under The Influence: Addressing Vaping, Drugs, and Alcohol in the Digital Age, the third feature documentary in the Screenagers trilogy, delves into how the tech revolution has reshaped adolescence and its effects on substance use. The film debunks myths and depicts strategies parents and schools can use to encourage healthy decision-making, support teen mental health, set limits, and create healthy home environments. The film also includes many ways young people are using their wisdom and strength to help each other and themselves through this complicated terrain around substance use.

“While most documentaries about substance use focus on severe addiction, Screenagers Under The Influence fills a pressing need for a film that explores more common scenarios,” said the middle school, in a news release. “The film is grounded in teens’ current reality of being flooded by images on social media, movies, and TV shows about vaping, drugs, and alcohol. 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. Screenagers Under The Influence focuses on practical solutions for keeping our teens safe in a changing world.”

View the trailer here.

“Every THMS student will see the film and discuss it with teachers in the classroom setting; our hope is that the adults in their lives will attend the open screening and discussion, and that we can move forward as a united community to combat this serious issue,” said Principal Seekins. “We hope to have a packed house.”

What: Screenagers Under the Influence: Addressing Vaping, Drugs, and Alcohol in the Digital Age followed by a panel discussion with local experts and educators
When: Tuesday, April 9 at 6:30 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.)
Where: The Colonial Theatre, Belfast, ME
Who: Adults – the Troy Howard Middle School and RSU 71 parent and guardian community, family members, educators, mental health providers, and any interested community members
Cost: Free. Concessions on sale
Find more information on the THMS PTG Website https://sites.google.com/hazelfinch.com/thmsptg/screenagers.