What we flagged
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Our take
Teenage Wasteland looks back at students and a teacher who investigated toxic waste in their community. Their energy and determination are uplifting, though the documentary includes regular swearing, mentions of teen drinking and pot, and talk of a death. We would watch with a parent from 13.
Uplifting themes
Standing up for your community, working as a team, and finding the truth are the heart of the story. It shows how teenagers can make a real difference An energetic teacher pushes his students to think for themselves, and the teens show courage and curiosity. They also swear and break a few rules along the way Covers environmental pollution, investigative filmmaking, and community activism, with teen reporters as guides. Strong for classroom or family chats about how to speak up
Story (may spoil tone)
Inspired by an unconventional teacher, a group of teenagers in upstate New York in the early 1990s make a student film and uncover a vast conspiracy that is poisoning their community. Thirty years later, they revisit their film and confront the legacy of this transformative experience.
What we flagged
Details
Violence Teens march with rifles in a school colour guard and joke about wanting…
Teens march with rifles in a school colour guard and joke about wanting to blow up corporate buildings. A few conversations mention guns and a violent death at a dump
Language The s-word is used often, with a few f-words, the a-word, and mild word…
The s-word is used often, with a few f-words, the a-word, and mild words like hell and damn, mostly from teens and adults telling stories. It is regular but not constant
Sex / nudity People remember kissing in the school control room and flirting in the…
People remember kissing in the school control room and flirting in the halls as teenagers. It is all nostalgic talk, and nothing sexual is shown on screen
Drugs / alcohol Teens talk about beer runs and smoking pot, and one person says he hung…
Teens talk about beer runs and smoking pot, and one person says he hung out with the stoners. The use is mentioned more than shown, and nothing is glamorised
Frightening Stories of toxic dumping, bubbling waste, and a man killed at a dump ca…
Stories of toxic dumping, bubbling waste, and a man killed at a dump can feel ominous, and a few moments of teens in dangerous places add tension. None of it is meant to terrify
Dangerous behaviour Teens climb through dumps, handle waste, and collect samples to get the…
Teens climb through dumps, handle waste, and collect samples to get their evidence. Parents may want to remind kids that real investigations need adult help
Grief / bereavement A much-loved teacher has died, and people look back on him with affecti…
A much-loved teacher has died, and people look back on him with affection and sadness. Interviewees share memories with tears and laughter later in the film
Flashing lights We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
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Talk after watching
- The students keep digging even when adults brush them off. What would make you keep going on something you cared about?
- How can young people get taken seriously when they raise a problem in their community?
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Teenage Wasteland
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