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#KidsOnTech 2022

Recommended

Distributed by Good Docs
Produced by Eric Ivey and Paul Zehrer
Directed by Paul Zehrer
Streaming, 50 mins



College - General Adult
Children; Education; Mental Health; Parenting; Social Media; Technology

Date Entered: 09/16/2024

Reviewed by Giovanna Colosi, Librarian for the School of Education, Subject Instruction Lead, Syracuse University

#KidsOnTech is a timely and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on the increasing global concern over children's dependence on digital devices. Set against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has only deepened our reliance on technology, the film delves into how these changes are shaping the brains, bodies, and lives of the next generation.

What makes #KidsOnTech stand out is its global perspective, featuring voices from around the world, creating a truly diverse and multi-faceted narrative. Expert commentary provides credible and insightful viewpoints on the impact of technology, while interviews with older children offer a heartfelt glimpse into the personal changes, they’re witnessing in themselves and their younger siblings. The film also thoughtfully includes parents who are striving to find balance—recognizing the educational value of technology while grappling with its growing grip on their children’s daily lives; and with the guilt they feel when they think they are not striking that balance. This combination of expert analysis and personal stories creates a rich, well-rounded exploration of the digital age's impact on today’s youth.

One of the most poignant aspects of the film is its focus on the digital divide, a critical issue that has only been magnified in the current educational landscape. It effectively highlights the challenges faced by students from less privileged backgrounds who lack access to essential devices, contrasting them with their more fortunate peers. This divide underscores the importance of ensuring equal access to technology, so that all students have the opportunity to thrive in the digital world.

In the classroom, the film captures the struggles many teachers face—balancing the benefits of tech-enhanced learning with the need to cultivate essential life skills like focus and attention. As teachers adapt to this new reality, #KidsOnTech reminds us that guiding students toward mindful, intentional tech use is essential for their success, both in school and beyond.

With its compelling blend of real-life stories, expert insight, and global awareness, #KidsOnTech serves as both a powerful reflection and a call to action. It not only highlights the challenges of the digital age but also encourages parents, educators, and society to take an active role in shaping how children interact with the technology that defines their futures.

Ideal for in-class screenings, for courses in Child Psychology and Development, Media Studies, and K-12 teacher preparation. #KidsOnTech is a film that strikes balance between being informative, inspiring, and ultimately, hopeful about how we can guide the next generation through the digital landscape.

Awards:
Award Winner, Paris Film Awards; Award Winner, International Media Arts Film Awards; Award Winner, Red Dragon Creative Awards; Award Winner, Art Film Awards, Monthly Competition; Award Winner, Eastern Europe International Movie Awards; Award Winner, All that Moves International Film Festival; Award Winner, Monthly Future of Film Awards; Award Winner, Scorpiusfest; Award Winner, Milan Gold Awards; Award Winner, HIFF, Heart International Italian Film Festival; Award Winner, International Motion Picture Awards; Award Winner, Crown Wood International Film Festival; Award Winner, The Gladiator Film Festival; Award Winner, Dreamz Catcher International Film Festival; Award Winner, Krimson Horyzon International Film Festival; Award Winner, Golden Wheat Awards; Award Winner, Vyre Film Festival

Published and licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. Anyone can use these reviews, so long as they comply with the terms of the license.