Newly graduated from university, Suo Lala, a computer whiz and junior middle school teacher, is assigned to coach a group of "problem children" who happen to be high-tech geniuses, too.

Her colleagues and the students' parents are watching and guessing: Can she do it?

So goes the storyline of "Internet Teenagers," a newly released feature film that sheds light on two of the hottest social issues baffling Chinese parents and teachers today the appropriate use of the Internet and smooth communication with adolescent children.

With the growing popularity of the Internet among youth in China, the 90-minute color film, showing in movie theatres across the country until the end of this month, is touted as one for "teenagers, their teachers and parents."

"When shouldered with too much hope and pressure from their teachers at school and parents at home, some of the students choose to indulge themselves in virtual reality, where they believe they can find relaxation, entertainment, self-esteem and friendship, and not to face real life," said Shi Xuehai, the director of the film who has made quite a number of popular TV drama series and films over the past two decades. "The lack of positive and effective educating and parenting styles have led to many tragedies in schools and homes, such as adolescent delinquency and suicides."

Official statistics show that up to June, the number of people online in China had reached 103 million, second only to the United States. Of all the Chinese users, 85 per cent are younger than 35, and about 20 per cent are under 18.

"Teenagers are always keen on trends in life," said Shi. "That is why they become so attracted to the computer and the Internet, new technologies that are dramatically changing our life."

Shi's new film delivers vivid portrayals of the "model teacher" Suo Lala (played by Yin Tao), five of her students and their parents who come from different backgrounds.

Renowned Chinese comedians Huang Hong and Niu Qun gave convincing performances in the film as two fathers who have failed to communicate with their teenage sons.

Popular TV and film star Kai Li plays a schoolmaster who strongly supports young teacher Suo Lala's efforts to convert a junior class full of "problem children."

Instead of strictly being a teacher to her students, Suo chooses to befriend them both on the Internet and in real life, playing e-games, constructing a website, partying and even giving the kids advice on how to improve their relationships with their parents.

The result?

The film does not give a perfect answer as to how teachers and parents should deal with teenagers.

But the message is clear, as the director said at the premiere of the film last weekend: "Times are changing. Life is changing. Communication problems, including the generation gap, are always in our society. And they exist not only between parents and children or teachers and students. As I see it, mutual care, understanding and respect are the key to (solving) the social problem."

Superb camerawork by Beijing Film Academy professor Mu Deyuan, as well as R&B and hip-hop music, and Internet games in the film make it more exciting and interesting for younger audiences, film critics say.

Along with the complex relationships between the children and their teachers and parents, the film's appeal can also be found in a sideline story about how an Internet-savvy child helps the police crack down on Internet-based crime.

"I have long been troubled with the question of how to guide my teenage child in his life and academic pursuits," said Man Yanrong, a company clerk who attended last weekend's film premiere. "'Internet Teenagers' is really inspirational, giving me a chance to rethink my previous 'education strategies.' Now I realized that I was wrong," Man said.

The educational film is a co-production made by Beijing Municipal Youth League, Soong Ching Ling Foundation for Children, China Puppet Theatre, Shanda Networking Co Ltd and Beijing Yongzhuang Culture Development Co Ltd, according to Beijing Forbidden City & Trinity Pictures Co Ltd, the distributor.

(China Daily September 15, 2005)