SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – February 26, 2026 - The Emily’s Hope Youth Prevention Coalition is hosting a free documentary screening and panel discussion: Can’t Look Away- The Case Against Social Media on Monday, March 2, 2026, from 6:00–8:00 PM at the Belbas Theater in the Washington Pavilion, sponsored by Avera. Can’t Look Away is an Emmy Award-winning documentary that exposes the darker side of social media and its impact on young users.
The film follows the Social Media Victims Law Center as it works to hold tech companies accountable for harm caused on their platforms. The documentary highlights the real-life consequences young people face online, including the growing danger of fentanyl poisoning through counterfeit pills sold on social media. The documentary trailer can be viewed here.
Following the screening, guests will hear a panel discussion with two individuals featured in the film: Amy Neville, President of the Alexander Neville Foundation, who began advocating for stronger online protections after losing her son to fentanyl purchased through social media and Laura Marquez-Garrett, an attorney with the Social Media Victims Law Center and Harvard Law graduate, who specializes in litigation involving social media related harms. The panel will also include Angela Kennecke, an award-winning investigative journalist and founder of Emily’s Hope. After losing her daughter Emily to fentanyl poisoning, Angela dedicated herself to raising awareness of substance use disorder, expanding prevention education, and supporting families through the work of Emily’s Hope. Lastly, the panel will include Dr. Wallace Jackmon, a licensed Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Social Worker with more than 25 years of experience. Dr. Jackmon has been studying the link between smartphone apps and a higher risk of anxiety and depression for more than 10 years. His expertise spans child welfare, mental health, family systems, anxiety and mood disorders, and adolescent treatment.
“We are incredibly honored to welcome Amy Neville and Laura Marquez-Garrett to Sioux Falls. Amy’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of how the dangers facing young people today often begin online, while Laura’s work highlights the growing legal and societal reckoning around social media-related harms,” said Angela Kennecke, CEO and founder of Emily’s Hope. “Their voices bring both lived experience and expertise to this conversation. This event is about empowering families, educators, and community members with awareness that can help prevent future tragedies.”
The Can’t Look Away documentary screening is free and open to all parents, caregivers, and community members. The event is hosted by the Youth Prevention Coalition, a collaborative initiative from Emily’s Hope that brings together local leaders across 12 sectors to prevent youth substance use in Sioux Falls. Those interested in attending can register here.
Film provided courtesy of Jolt.Film
About Emily’s Hope
Emily’s Hope is a nonprofit organization working to eliminate the stigma surrounding substance use disorder and to save lives through evidence-informed education, compassionate support, and financial assistance for recovery. Founded by award-winning journalist Angela Kennecke after the tragic overdose death of her daughter Emily, the organization has become a national voice for prevention and hope. Emily’s Hope offers a K–12 substance use prevention curriculum used across the country, the Grieving Out Loud podcast, and on-the-ground initiatives such as naloxone distribution, a Post-Overdose Response Team, and a Youth Prevention Coalition in South Dakota. The organization also provides treatment scholarships to help individuals access care. Learn more about Emily’s Hope at emilyshope.charity.
For additional media information, please visit emilyshope.charity/media.