Children in the United States can recognize over 100 corporate logos, while they can name fewer than 10 plants.

 

PLAY AGAIN is a documentary about children's changing relationships with the virtual and natural worlds. The average American child spends five and a half hours each day behind screens. Internet, cyberspace, video games and television are replacing personal interactions and play outdoors. While screen time is increasing, time is nature is decreasing. PLAY AGAIN will examine the physical, emotional, and societal costs of these trends that have changed childhood today. The film will look at how children use and are affected by media and will analyze mounting evidence which shows that direct experience in nature is critical to children's development and well-being.

PLAY AGAIN will follow a group of children in a screentime to greentime project which will encourages them to deeply explore their personal relationships with the virtual and natural worlds.

In a media saturated society that encourages unrestrained consumption, it is crucial that we understand our impact on the environment. We are now seeing the consequences of childhood removed from nature. PLAY AGAIN will investigate what this means not only for the well-being of our children but for our society and the future of our planet.

PLAY AGAIN features national experts in the fields of media, natural sciences and childhood development such as Richard Louv, Bill McKibben, Diane Levin, Nancy Carlsson-Paige, Charles Jordan, Susan Linn, and Juliet Schor.

PLAY AGAIN will be made for theatrical release, television broadcast and the educational market.