Area residents invited to film screening about youth, social media

An area community services group will host a free screening of a film that looks at the impact social media has on young people and tells the story of a California teen who died after getting fentanyl-laced drugs through a social media app.

The Mary Gloria Foundation is inviting the public to attend its special screening of “Can't Look Away - The Case Against Social Media,” a documentary from Bloomberg Media.

The screening runs from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 7 at Harkins Theatres Queen Creek 14, 20481 S. Rittenhouse Road. The event is open to people aged 13 and older.

After the film there will also be a community discussion panel.

“Can't Look Away - The Case Against Social Media” focuses on the impact of social media on the mental health and well-being of young people.

“Through intimate stories and expert insights, the film explores how digital platforms have shaped a generation, and what we can do to protect our kids,” according to an event release.

The screening is organized through the Alexander Neville Foundation, founded in honor of 14-year-old California teen Alexander Neville, who died in 2020 of fentanyl poisoning after being exposed to counterfeit pills sold on social media, according to the foundation.

The panel discussion will feature local leaders, recent Queen Creek High School graduate Robin Adamcyk, and Amy Neville, the mother of Alexander Neville.

Tickets for the event are available at https://bit.ly/44HaXNb.

The Mary Gloria Foundation, formerly Pan de Vida, is a nonprofit multi-cultural community organization that serves those in need in the San Tan Valley/Queen Creek area.