The Frisco ISD Guidance and Counseling department, along with the Council of PTAs is hosting a screening of the documentary Chasing Childhood Wednesday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Frisco ISD Administration Board Room.

There has been a dramatic increase in anxiety and depression rates as well as an increase in stress for performance expectations within young children and teens being at a whopping 40% since 2009, according to a study done by the CDC,

Chasing Childhood, a feature length documentary, takes a look at how free play and independence aren’t prominent aspects in the lives of many children due to the “relentless perfectionism” that has helped lead to the record rates of anxiety and depression. 

The film showcases three different communities that are trying to change this narrative by creating room for kids to play and be independent. 

“Any parent nervous about striking the right balance between encouraging creativity and ambition while also fostering independence will find plenty of food for thought in Chasing Childhood, a documentary that probes whether our high-achieving society is taxing our children’s emotional and mental health,” the Alliance of Women Film Journalists said about Chasing Childhood. 

Wednesday’s screening will also be available for streaming. For more information, visit the Frisco ISD website.