Six community meetings about online dangers scheduled in January

 

Roanoke County Public Schools is encouraging parents to attend a series of important community meetings concerning student safety and mental health issues.

A series of meetings, in cooperation with the Partnership for Community Wellness, will be held concerning the dangers of cellphone use among elementary, middle and high school students.  Today’s digital world is full of threats including dangerous apps disguised as harmless games, online predators, social media addiction, and relentless cyberbullying.  Parents will learn exactly what to look for — and how they can fight back with powerful tools and expert-backed strategies to reclaim control over their child’s digital life and guard their mental and emotional health in a tech-driven world.

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 6 at Hidden Valley Middle School
• October 13 at Northside High School
• October 27 at Masons Cove Elementary School
• October 28 at Glenvar Elementary School (6:30 p.m.)
• November 18 at Cave Spring High School
• January 13 at Bonsack Elementary School
• January 15 at Glenvar Middle School - RESCHEDULED
• January 20 at Herman L. Horn Elementary School
• January 23 at Clearbrook Elementary School (5:30 p.m.)
• January 26 at Burlington Elementary School
• January 29 at Mt. Pleasant Elementary School (6:30 p.m.)
• February 3 at Green Valley Elementary School
• February 10 at W.E. Cundiff Elementary School
• March 3 at Mountain View Elementary School
• March 10 at Oak Grove Elementary School
• March 16 at Glen Cove Elementary School
• March 17 at Back Creek Elementary School
• April 7 at Penn Forest Elementary School (5:00 p.m.)
• April 14 at Back Creek Elementary School 

All meetings will begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise stated.  Additional meetings may be scheduled.

Find more resources at www.rcps.us/waituntil8

“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.

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, particularly as it applies to internet-enabled mobile devices.  We will review the risk factors that may increase a child’s digital 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.