Parenting in today’s digital world can feel overwhelming — with constant concerns about phones, social media, and kids’ mental health. This fall, Roanoke County Public Schools is inviting parents and caregivers to join a series of important community meetings designed to provide tools, resources, and expert advice on two major topics: student online safety and mental health awareness.
Cellphones, Social Media & Student Safety
Five meetings, held in partnership with the Partnership for Community Wellness, will focus on the growing risks tied to student cellphone use. Parents will learn about:
- Dangerous apps disguised as games
- How online predators target kids
- The impact of excessive screen time on sleep, anxiety, and academics
- Strategies to reduce cyberbullying and social media addiction
Superintendent Dr. Ken Nicely emphasized the urgency, saying, “Social media is having a disastrous impact on our students, from cyberbullying to predators and more. 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.”
Meeting Dates (all begin at 6 p.m.):
- September 17 – William Byrd High School
- October 6 – Hidden Valley Middle School
- October 13 – Northside High School
- November 18 – Cave Spring High School
- December 8 – Glenvar Middle School
Mental Health & Suicide Prevention
In addition to the digital safety series, parents are encouraged to attend a special meeting on suicide prevention:
- September 22 at 6 p.m. – Northside High School
At this event, parents will learn how to recognize early signs of mental health struggles, identify risk factors, and find out what supports are available both in schools and the community.
Dr. Shawn Hughes, Director of School Counseling, shared, “Students continue to struggle with mental health concerns. The sooner a parent or caregiver recognizes a student is dealing with a mental health issue, the sooner that student can receive the support they need.”
Why These Conversations Matter
The school division hopes families will take advantage of these opportunities to connect with experts and learn practical ways to protect children’s mental, emotional, and digital well-being. As Dr. Nicely noted, “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.”…