Roanoke County hosts meetings to raise awareness about cyberbullying and mental health in schools

Roanoke, Virginia – Roanoke County Public Schools has announced a series of community meetings this fall and winter. These events will focus on the impact of digital technology and social media on children’s emotional well-being and the alarming dangers lurking behind smartphone screens.

Held in partnership with the Partnership for Community Wellness, the initiative aims to equip parents and guardians with knowledge, tools, and expert advice to better support their children in an increasingly tech-driven world. The meetings will take place at various schools across the county, with most events beginning at 6 p.m.

Upcoming Meeting Dates and Locations

• October 13 – Northside High School

• October 27 – Masons Cove Elementary School

• October 28 – Glenvar Elementary School (starts at 6:30 p.m.)

• November 18 – Cave Spring High School

• December 8 – Glenvar Middle School

• January 22 – Herman L. Horn Elementary School

• January 26 – Burlington Elementary School

More sessions may be added based on community interest and demand.

Fighting the Silent Crisis

Roanoke County school leaders are urging parents to take the threat of digital overexposure seriously. Smartphones and social media are more than just distractions — they are changing the way children think, feel, and behave. Experts warn that excessive screen time is “rewiring young brains, disrupting sleep, fueling anxiety, and lowering academic success.”

Dr. Ken Nicely, superintendent of Roanoke County Public Schools, emphasized the urgency of the issue. “Social media is having a disastrous impact on our students, from cyberbullying to predators and more,” he said. “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.”

Each meeting will offer a candid look at how young people are being targeted through dangerous apps disguised as games, falling into cycles of social media addiction, and suffering in silence from cyberbullying and online harassment. The sessions are designed to show parents what warning signs to watch for and how to take meaningful action before serious harm occurs.

Focusing on Mental Health Awareness

Alongside online dangers, the school division is also highlighting the broader mental health crisis among students. Dr. Shawn Hughes, director of school counseling, pointed out that early recognition of warning signs can lead to faster and more effective support.

“We continue to be in the midst of a mental health crisis,” Dr. Hughes explained. “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.”

Meeting topics will include how to recognize emotional distress in children, risk factors that increase vulnerability, and an overview of the mental health services available through schools and local providers.

Working Together for a Safer Future

Dr. Nicely reiterated the importance of collaboration between schools and families. “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, caregivers, and community members to attend at least one of the scheduled meetings. Informed and engaged adults are one of the best defenses children have against the growing pressures and dangers of the digital world.