Roanoke County Public Schools address student safety and rising mental health crisis through educational parent meetings

Roanoke, Virginia – Roanoke County Public Schools is taking proactive steps this fall to protect students from the growing dangers of digital technology and mental health struggles. The school division is inviting all parents and caregivers to attend four important community meetings focused on student safety, mental wellness, and suicide prevention.

Three of the meetings, held in partnership with the Partnership for Community Wellness, will explore the alarming impact of excessive smartphone use and digital media exposure among students of all ages. Topics will include hidden threats posed by popular apps, how social media platforms fuel anxiety and depression, and the tactics used by online predators to target children. The presentations will also offer real-world tools and expert advice to help parents safeguard their children’s emotional and mental health.

“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.”

The scheduled digital safety meetings will take place at:

• William Byrd High School on September 17

• Northside High School on October 13

• Cave Spring High School on November 18

All meetings begin at 6 p.m. and are free and open to the public.

Dr. Ken Nicely, superintendent of Roanoke County Public Schools, emphasized the urgency of addressing these challenges. “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. There are many online dangers, and we want to make sure our students are safe,” said Dr. Nicely.

Focus on Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Support

In addition to the sessions on digital safety, the district is also hosting a separate meeting dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health awareness. That event will be held on September 22 at 6 p.m. at Northside High School.

The goal of the evening is to equip families with knowledge about early warning signs of mental health struggles, as well as the tools and resources available to help students in need. Participants will learn about risk factors, intervention strategies, and how to foster emotional strength and resilience in children.

“We continue to be in the midst of a mental health crisis,” said Dr. Shawn Hughes, director of school counseling. “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.”

Dr. Nicely echoed that message, calling for joint efforts between families and schools. “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,” he said.

Roanoke County Public Schools encourages all parents, guardians, and caregivers to attend these critical meetings to better protect and support their children in today’s challenging world.