HIS Opens the Conversation About Screens & Student Wellbeing

On a recent weeknight, more than 200 parents, students, and teachers gathered in the Performing Arts Center at Harare International School (HIS) for a community screening of Screenagers: Growing Up in the Digital Age. 

The question every parent faces

The award-winning documentary, directed by physician and filmmaker Dr. Delaney Ruston, follows her own family's struggle with a question that almost every parent is wrestling with right now: how do we help our children build a healthy relationship with screens in a world designed to keep them glued to one?

The film explores the science of dopamine loops, the impact of screen time on developing brains, and the difference between using technology as a tool versus losing yourself in it. It doesn't pretend there are easy answers, and neither did the conversation that followed.

'We're not in control'

Elementary School Principal, David Westhora, who has facilitated screenings of the film at other schools, led the post-film discussion. What unfolded was a rare, revealing, and sometimes funny, discussion with contributions from both parents and students.

Parents admitted they struggle with their own screen habits. One father described a phenomenon where people believe it doesn’t affect them, even when the evidence says otherwise: "We have what I'd call the Superman Syndrome,” he said. “‘I can manage it.' And our kids say the same thing. But the problem is, we're not in control either. So we can't play the role model we should be playing."

 

 

'A real challenge for families'

Another parent drew a clear and useful line: when we use a device as a tool, that's one thing. When it becomes entertainment without intention, that's where we lose ground.

A third parent acknowledged that this issue was a real challenge for families. "I want to thank HIS for bringing this up, because not all families have the capacity to do what the doctor in the movie is trying to do. But the school needs to hear us, and we also need to do the work at home."

Students had some of the sharpest observations of the evening. One pointed out, to knowing laughter from the room, that parents are often on their screens more than their children. "I think the rules that parents put on us should be swapped around. I see my parents using screens more than I do."

Another made a thoughtful case for balance, suggesting that if friends are going to spend time gaming together online, they should also commit to meeting in person at least once a week.

Starting the screen conversation at HIS

The conversation kept returning to one idea: this isn't a problem schools can solve alone, and it isn't one families can solve alone either. It belongs to the whole community.

HIS School Director, Dr. Greg Moncada, noted that the school has been actively listening; gathering data from the community, and evolving its approach in ways that are age-appropriate and forward-looking. Greg also stated that this is the beginning of our conversation and that we would be hosting the second Screenagers film at the beginning of next year.  The intent will be to create clarity and intentional actions that support our students at school and home.

The conversations that started in that room need to continue; at home, at school, and across our community. As a school, we will continue to engage with the community to make sure we tackle this issue together.

If you were there, we'd love to hear what stayed with you. And if you missed it, watch this space. This conversation is just getting started.