Documentary 'Your Attention Please' Highlights Mother's Fight for Social Media Reform After Son's Suicide

Key points

• The documentary 'Your Attention Please' is available for rent or purchase on VOD and Apple TV starting October 6, 2026, following its premiere at the SXSW Film Festival.
• The film follows Kristin Bride, who lost her son Carson to suicide in 2020 after he was cyberbullied, despite her efforts to limit his early access to smartphones and apps.
• Director Sara Robin argues that social media platforms are designed to exploit user attention, comparing the experience to a 'warm bath' that slowly boils users, while acknowledging the irony of promoting the film via these same platforms.
• The documentary features interviews with former US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, who advocated for tobacco-style warning labels, and Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen, whose story is also being adapted into a separate film.
• Bride continues to advocate for the Kids Online Safety and Privacy Act, which stalled in Congress after passing the Senate in 2024, expressing frustration with the current political climate but vowing to keep fighting.

Background

This release follows recent discussions in September 2026 regarding rising suicide risks among pre-teens linked to social media use, as reported in JAMA Pediatrics. It also coincides with broader cultural conversations about digital detoxes, such as Zendaya's recent break from social media, and ongoing debates about platform control and free speech in the media landscape.

How outlets are covering it

The Guardian provides a detailed narrative on the documentary's themes, focusing on the human cost of technology addiction and the specific legislative hurdles faced by Bride. KATU offers a local perspective, highlighting Bride as a 'local mother' and promoting community screenings, emphasizing the personal tragedy and call to action. Film Music Reporter focuses on the technical and artistic aspects, detailing the soundtrack album release by MovieScore Media, composed by Raphaël Dargent, and listing the track titles which mirror the film's narrative arcs, such as 'The Facebook Files' and 'Kristin and Carson.'

Why it matters

The documentary serves as a critical examination of the attention economy's impact on mental health and youth safety, highlighting the gap between corporate profits and human well-being. It underscores the ongoing struggle for legislative reform in the US, particularly the stalled Kids Online Safety and Privacy Act, and illustrates the personal toll of cyberbullying on families. The film also prompts a broader cultural conversation about intentional technology use and the need for healthier relationships with digital platforms.

What to watch

The documentary is available for streaming and purchase starting October 6, 2026. The soundtrack album, composed by Raphaël Dargent, will be released digitally on the same date. Kristin Bride will continue her advocacy efforts for the Kids Online Safety and Privacy Act, while the film may inspire further public discourse and potential legislative action regarding social media regulation and youth safety.