ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – Roanoke County Public Schools is encouraging parents to attend four community meetings this fall concerning student safety and mental health issues.
Nancy Hans and Emily Harrison join us on Here @ Home to discuss how these meetings will help parents.
The focus is on students’ mental health, and they’re directly looking at the dangers of cell phone use.
Listen in to our conversation about what research shows about students and cell phone usage and the warning signs your child may be struggling with their mental health.
Excessive device use is rewiring young brains, disrupting sleep, fueling anxiety, and lowering academic success.
The damage is happening now, and it’s deeper than most parents realize.
- September 17 at William Byrd High School
- October 13 at Northside High School
- November 18 at Cave Spring High School
All meetings will begin at 6 p.m.
“Social media is having a disastrous impact on our students, from cyberbullying to predators and more” said Dr. Ken Nicely, superintendent of Roanoke County Public Schools.
“We strongly recommend parents wait until at least eighth grade, or later, before allowing their children to have a smartphone and access to social media.
There are many online dangers, and we want to make sure our students are safe,” Dr. Nicely said.
On September 22 at 6 p.m., parents also are encouraged to attend a community meeting at Northside High School to talk about suicide prevention.
Parents and caregivers play a powerful role in protecting young lives and will learn more about how to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health struggles in children.
We will review the risk factors that may increase a child’s vulnerability, steps parents can take to strengthen their child’s mental and emotional well-being, and support services available through their child’s school and local community.
“We continue to be in the midst of a mental health crisis,” said Dr. Shawn Hughes, director of school counseling for Roanoke County Public Schools.
“Students continue to struggle with mental health concerns. The sooner that a parent or caregiver can recognize that a student is dealing with a mental health concern, the sooner that student can receive support through the many resources schools and the community have available.” Hughes said.
“If we partner together to take steps, even small steps, these can have a big impact on our children’s well-being and mental health,” said Dr. Ken Nicely, superintendent of Roanoke County Public Schools.
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