WEST HARTFORD – Several Hartford area Jewish organizations will mark National Bullying Prevention Month with a screening of the acclaimed coming-of-age “Eighth Grade” on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 7 – 9 p.m. Sponsored by Jewish Family Services’ (JFS) Tara’s Closet, in partnership with the Mandell JCC and BBYO, the free screening will be held at the JCC (335 Bloomfield Ave., West Hartford) and will be followed by a panel discussion with mental health professionals and teens that examines the impact of social media on our youth.

“Eighth Grade” tells the story of 13-year-old Kayla, who makes her way through the last week of middle school marking the end of a disastrous eighth grade year before she begins high school. Parents are encouraged to attend the film and the discussion that follows along with their teenagers. Rated R for language and some sexual amaterial. The film will be followed by a panel discussion comprised of mental health professionals, teens, and teachers.

The panel discussion will be moderated by Dennis House, Channel 3 Eyewitness News Anchor and moderator of Face the State. Panelists include: JFS clinitian Shayna Ull; clinical social worker Geoff Genser; Abby Azia/Jake Steinberg, BBYO teen reps; and Rebecca Lewis, a social studies teacher, King Philip Middle School.

Founded in 2006 by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center, National Bullying Prevention Month is a campaign held in October to educate and raise awareness of bullying prevention.