Netflix’s Adolescence has left parents reeling, exposing the dark realities of teen mental health and the dangers of social media. However, a transformative new Australian documentary, SEEN, moves beyond the warning to provide science-backed tools aimed at healing generational trauma and fostering real parent–child connections.
Created by award-winning Australian filmmaker Hailey Bartholomew and ParentTV founder Sam Jockel, the feature-length documentary challenges traditional views on parenting, trauma, and generational cycles. It weaves together raw personal stories with groundbreaking neuroscience, offering solutions for families seeking to rebuild and strengthen their bonds.
Leading the scientific discussion in SEEN is world-renowned neuroscientist Professor Selena Bartlett, Group Leader of Translational Neuroscience at the Translational Research Institute and a Professor in the School of Clinical Sciences at QUT’s Faculty of Health. A global expert in early life stress, trauma, and neuroplasticity, Professor Bartlett presents compelling research demonstrating that just 20 minutes of distraction-free parent-child connection each day can reshape the brain and significantly impact a child’s future.
“We’ve seen a big spike in mental health crises – and no surprises, due to our lack of connection,” Professor Bartlett explains. “Around 50% of the brain is built for social cognition. If children don’t receive healthy attention from a trusted adult – and it only takes one person – these networks cannot develop properly.”
The urgency of the mental health crisis has sparked international attention. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was so moved by Adolescence that he backed a parliamentary push to screen the documentary in schools.
In Australia, SEEN is taking a proactive approach by touring cinemas, educational centres, schools, and community groups. Each screening features live Q&A sessions with experts and families from the film, fostering open conversations about parenting and mental well-being.
Watch the SEEN trailer below ↓
SEEN tour dates in Queensland
- 1 April: Brisbane’s Five-Star Cinemas in New Farm, Brisbane
- 2 April: Nambour Cinema, Sunshine Coast
- 3 April: Five-Star Cinemas in New Farm on Thursday, 3 April, with Professor Selena Bartlett, Anne Unwin and Sam Jockel
- 26 April: HOTA, Gold Coast: Live Q&A event with Zidia Valdebenito, Hailey Bartholomew, Marj Hartman and Sam Jockel
- 23 April: Events Cinemas, North Lakes
- 30 April: Broadbeach Cultural Centre, Gold Coast
- 8 May: Event Cinemas Cairns Central, Cairns
- 13 May: Bethany Lutheran Primary School, Ipswich
The mental health crisis in Australia:
- 1 in 4 Australian children are raised by a parent with mental illness (ABS data).
- 1 in 7 children and adolescents aged 4–17 have experienced a mental illness (2024 AIHW).
- Nearly 50% of all mental illnesses begin in childhood before age 14.
- Up to 40% of mental health conditions—such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse—are linked to childhood abuse and neglect.
- Research suggests that if childhood maltreatment were eradicated, over 1.8 million cases of mental illness could be prevented in Australia.
- New neuroscience findings from Rutgers Health & Yale University reveal that just 20 minutes of undistracted parental connection daily can significantly reshape the brain.
In SEEN, Professor Bartlett illustrates these findings with compelling brain imagery, demonstrating how inadequate emotional connection affects cortical development—leading to the mental health struggles that many children face today.
More than a documentary
The documentary’s award-winning producer, ParentTV founder Sam Jockel, describes SEEN as “an invitation to spark the healing journey, embark on self-discovery, and cultivate growth, reflection, and connection for parents everywhere.”
Parenting expert Maggie Dent echoes the film’s importance, calling it essential viewing: “Your children have come to trigger you to heal.”
With its powerful message and evidence-based solutions, SEEN is not just a film—it is a movement that aims to reshape parenting for future generations.
For details of Seen’s nationwide tour schedule, including ticket information, and live Q&As featuring the film’s experts and families, visit www.seenthefilm.com. Individuals and organisations can also host their own screenings via Kinema.
Mother and child still from documentary SEEN, now touring Australia.
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