Screened Out

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2020

68%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A science-backed documentary about screen addiction that'll make you want to throw your phone in a lake—then immediately pick it back up to check notifications.

6.5/10

78%

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Screened Out

movie

NR, 2020

68%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A science-backed documentary about screen addiction that'll make you want to throw your phone in a lake—then immediately pick it back up to check notifications.

6.5

78%

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Screenwise Verdict

This is the documentary equivalent of eating your vegetables—good for you, not particularly fun, and you'll feel virtuous afterward.

The research is solid, the experts are credible, and the family story keeps it from being a total slog. It's genuinely useful if you're trying to figure out why your kid melts down when you take away the iPad, or why you can't stop doomscrolling at 11 PM.

But let's be real: it's a 2020 doc with a 6.5 IMDb rating and a 54 Metacritic score. It's not going to blow your mind cinematically. The 78% on Rotten Tomatoes suggests critics appreciated the message more than the execution. You'll watch it once, nod along, maybe implement one or two changes, and never think about it again.

Still, if you're on Screenwise looking for guidance on digital wellness, this is literally a documentary about that exact thing. Worth the 90 minutes if you're in the thick of screen time battles.

Age Fit

Best for ages 13+ and parents. This is homework, not entertainment—you watch it because you need to, not because you want to. Teens can handle the serious topics and benefit from the perspective; younger kids won't sit through it and don't need the heavy stuff yet.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Documentary presents a balanced, research-driven look at screen time without fearmongering. The family narrative thread is relatable and models honest conversations about tech struggles. Touches on cyberbullying, self-harm, and suicide in an educational context without graphic depictions, which is age-appropriate for teens but requires parental awareness.

Imaginative

As a documentary, it's informative rather than imaginative. It invites reflection and critical thinking about our relationship with technology, but doesn't spark creative expression or exploration. The format is straightforward talking-heads-plus-family-narrative, not particularly innovative for the genre.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it 13+ for discussions of cyberbullying, self-harm, and suicide—serious topics handled responsibly without graphic content. No surprise violence, nudity, or inappropriate material. The subject matter itself (screen addiction) might make some parents of young kids uncomfortable watching together, but that's the point.

Enriching

Packed with science-based research from experts across North America. Offers concrete insights into what screens do to developing brains, backed by citations and expert testimony. The Guardian notes it 'knows how to press your buttons'—it's designed to spark real behavior change and family conversations. Highly relevant for modern parenting.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Loaded with actual research from neuroscientists and psychologists—not just parental hand-wringing
The family narrative running through it feels authentic and relatable (probably because it's your family too)
Gives you concrete ammunition for 'why we have screen rules' conversations without being preachy
Available on multiple platforms including Kanopy (free with library card) so no excuses

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What to Watch For

Discusses cyberbullying, self-harm, and suicide—appropriate for teens 13+ but might be heavy for younger kids
May induce parental guilt about your own phone habits (fair warning: you're not getting out of this unscathed)
The Guardian warned that 'parents of locked-down kids might be advised to steer clear'—it's not exactly relaxing viewing

Conversation Starters

"What surprised you most about what screens do to our brains?"
"Do you think our family's screen rules make sense after watching this? What would you change?"
"How do you feel when you can't check your phone for a while? Is that normal?"
"What's one thing you could do differently with your devices after seeing this?"

Stills