In Feb – March 2026, we were commissioned by Southwark Council’s Public Health to deliver a Theatre In Education programme about the impact of screen time for Year 7 pupils. The commission was part of a wider national conversation with government and health professionals highlighting concerns about the effects of screen time on children’s mental health and wellbeing.
The project explored how screen use can affect young people’s emotional wellbeing, while also offering practical, everyday strategies for managing difficult emotions.
Synopsis
‘Robyn, Lily-Rose and Xavier are juggling home and school life, expectations and emotions.
At the end of each day they can’t wait to retreat to their bedrooms and relax.
Screen time feels like the perfect escape but as their online worlds expand, their mental wellbeing begins to falter.
Can they manage their screen use and protect their wellbeing before everything starts to unravel?’
Seen On Screen explores the impact of screen time, social media, and online interactions on young people’s mental health and wellbeing. The performance follows the characters through school and home life, showing how the increasing pull of screens affects their attainment, moods, relationships, and overall wellbeing.
CAST
Deshaye Gayle
Jade Dowsett-Roberts
Kc Gardiner
CREW
Arianne Carless
Conrad Kira
Marie Vickers
Sapphire Joy
Post-Performance
After each performance, children were invited to offer advice to the characters, reflect on the screen their screen habits, and consider where they could turn for support in their own lives. Schools were equipped with learning materials to continue discussions around digital wellbeing beyond the performance, and parents and carers were provided resources to support their children’s screen use at home.
Devising Process
The show was devised collaboratively by the cast, lead facilitator, and Artistic Director Marie Vickers. Its content was informed by research reports and discussions with CAMHS and Groundwork and used, using contemporary cultural references in language, set, and design to ensure accessibility and relevance for young audiences.
commissioned by:
The multi-roles and direct address was engaging and captured students from the start. [the session] raises the issues of screen time and mental health in an engaging interactive way and presents relatable characters who can react to things in real time.
- Pupils
young people took part in the programme.
- Learning
views on our online resources.
- Shows
performances delivered across 5 schools.
- Photo Gallery
