Even though classrooms are seeing relaxed COVID-19 restrictions ahead of the school year, parents say they still have concerns that include cyberbullying, isolation since the pandemic and the fear of school shootings.
Earlier this year, two Poughkeepsie children made threats against the district, which put fear in many parents and students. This comes after 19 students and two children were killed in Uvalde, Texas in May.
“They were coming to us, sharing with us that they’re not doing so well,” said Dr. Eric Rosser, superintendent of Poughkeepsie schools.
Rosser was awarded a $2.3 million state grant to expand mental health services for students and their families. He created a panel where students from grades 6-12 can seek help with the help of community-based partners and mental health providers.
Kris Ruby, president of the Ruby Media Group, says schools, police and parents need to confront cyberbullying head-on.
“Children are using social media as a means to demean, embarrass and cause psychological harm,” he stated. “We’ve seen this result in suicide.”
Dr. Eric Byrne, president of Lower Hudson Council of School Superintendents, acknowledged schools are tweaking their plans to address safety and mental health support from all angles.
“One thing that is really important for us to know as schools is that every child needs to have an adult and other students that they feel connected to.”
