Screened Out Analysis

Name:

Date:

📚 Part 1: Quick Check — Multiple Choice & Identification

1. Which best summarizes the primary claim presented in the first half of Screened Out?

Digital screens are harmless for most children.

Screen use poses serious developmental risks that require urgent regulation.

Technology companies are neutral actors in children’s lives.

Schools should replace screens with printed textbooks only.

2. Check all types of evidence the filmmakers rely on in this segment:

Expert interviews (researchers, clinicians)

Personal stories from families

Large-scale randomized controlled trials

Statistics and industry documents

3. Which rhetorical strategy is used when the film shows close-ups of anxious parents and crying children?

Pathos (emotional appeal)

Logos (logical appeal)

Ethos (credibility appeal)

Kairos (appeal to timing)

4. If the film uses one anecdote to claim “all kids are harmed,” which logical fallacy is that most likely?

Hasty generalization

Slippery slope

False dichotomy

Ad hominem

✏️ Part 2: Analysis, Counter-Argument Prep, and Reflection

I can... discuss a key argument from the first half of Screened Out and prepare a respectful counter-argument.

Success criteria: I contribute one insight in discussion, cite specific evidence from the film, and write a short counter-argument outline with at least two supporting points.

5. Think (4 min): Write one key argument or message you noticed and explain why you think the filmmakers emphasized it.

6. Evidence check: Identify one specific piece of evidence or scene from the film (briefly describe it) and evaluate its strength and limitations.

7. Counter-argument practice (10 min): Choose one claim from the film. In the space below, write:

• The original claim: ___________________________

• Your counterclaim (one sentence): ___________________________

• Two pieces of supporting evidence or reasoning you would use: 1) ________ 2) ________

8. Matching — Link each claim (left) to the most effective type of rebuttal (right). Draw a line between matching items.

A. "Screens cause irreversible brain damage in all children."

B. "Social media alone causes teen depression."

C. "Tech companies deliberately design apps to addict kids."

1. Cite mixed longitudinal studies and note methodological limits

2. Point to correlation vs. causation and alternative factors

3. Use internal documents or design research to support the claim

Differentiation: Sentence starters: "One argument I noticed is…", "A possible counterclaim is…". Allow oral response or tech tools for students who need them.

Extension for advanced learners: Find a peer-reviewed article or data set that supports your counter-argument and note one way it strengthens your position.