The Problem is... Digital Distraction

A look at how we're all turning into screen-staring zombies who can't make it through dinner without our phones.

1 - That awkward moment when everyone at the table is on their phone instead of talking

2 - How apps are basically designed to be as addictive as possible (and it's working)

3 - The weird anxiety we feel when we're separated from our phones for more than 5 minutes

Main Idea:

The toxic idea that your entire worth depends on which schools accept you.

1 - The insane expectations to be perfect at everything while also being "unique"

2 - How we've turned education into a competition rather than a journey

3 - The financial anxiety of potentially going into massive debt for a degree

The Problem is... Mental Health Stigma

Why is it still easier to say you have the flu than to admit you're struggling mentally?

1 - The pressure to always be "fine" when someone asks how you're doing

2 - How we're expected to perform academically while battling invisible demons

3 - The lack of resources and understanding for those who need support

Who is your audience?
High school and college students who spend several hours daily on their phones. Also, parents and educators who are concerned about young people's screen time but might not fully understand the social pressures behind it.

What is the important point this screenplay should make?
While phones are useful tools, our relationship with them has become unhealthy and is causing us to miss out on real-life experiences, genuine connections, and even putting us in danger through distraction.

What do you want the audience to do and/or feel?
Feel: A moment of self-recognition and mild discomfort when they see their own behaviors portrayed.
Do: I will consider implementing small boundaries with their devices, like phone-free meals or setting time limits on social media apps.

Please describe a minimum of two characters:

Character 1: Alex (17)

• Always has phone in hand, experiences anxiety when battery is low

• Popular on social media but struggles with in-person conversations

• Initially defensive about phone use

• Gradually realizes what they're missing after a wake-up call

Character 2: Jamie (17)

• Alex's friend who rarely uses social media

• Often frustrated trying to connect with phone-obsessed peers

• Provides contrast and perspective on what life can be like with boundaries

• Not anti-technology, just more intentional about usage

Why does this story matter to you? Why did you choose it?
I've noticed how phone use has changed my own relationships and attention span. Sometimes I catch myself scrolling mindlessly when I could be doing something more meaningful, and I'm curious about breaking this habit.

Why will your audience be interested in this?
Hopefully, it will be a wake-up call to most people, because I think it is safe to assume most people have an unhealthy relationship or even addiction to their phones.

How will you grab their attention?
I will make sure to start with a good and interesting hook/intro to make the reader want more. Then, to make them keep reading, I will make sure the characters can relate to them.

• I will record this myself in Brophy Hall during my passing period.

2) Sounds of all the students' phones overlapping each other

• Same with the footsteps I will record a video during the passing period of all the students on their phones.

3)Dialogue

• For my two characters, I plan to use my mom and sister. I will record their conversation in a classroom.

4)Phone buzzing(notification)

• The setting will be in a silent classroom during a test, and I will record someone's phone ringing.

5)Annoyed students

• I will record the teacher telling students to put their phones away and while doing so, make sure to emphasize their groans.