Removing Non-Academic Barriers

Overview

Navigating non-academic barriers is critical to children’s success in school. Non-academic barriers include any social, physical, or mental health factor that gets in the way of a child to fully participate in school and learn. Without safe, healthy habits and supports, a child’s ability to be successful as a student and be a career-ready graduate is placed at risk.  All families are encouraged to use this non-academic barrier guide as a starting point to address any non-academic barriers that may occur.

Data shows that addressing non-academic barriers early will most significantly impact student health and success.  Families should leverage the many available resources described and linked in this resource document to best prepare and respond in the event children require support. For more actions that parents can take to prepare children for school, families are encouraged to review Virginia’s Back to School Top 10 List.

Positive Mental Health Supports

What can I do to support my child’s mental health?

It is beneficial to take the time to check in regularly with children, encourage them to communicate what they are feeling, and listen more than talk. These simple, daily interactions promote mental well-being, models healthy communication, and in turn can prevent a range of negative experiences and engagement of things like drug use and violence. Building strong bonds and relationships with adults and friends at school, at home, and in the community provides youth with a sense of connectedness.  

When a family sits down together, it helps them handle the stresses of daily life, strengthen connections. As an example, eating together, whether it is a full meal or a snack, gives families a great opportunity to talk about their day at school and what they are learning in school, and research has shown there are benefits overall on health and nutrition through sharing a meal together.

Who is available at my child’s school to support their mental health needs?

Schools have behavioral health services available to assist in creating the best learning experience and environment for your child. School-based mental health professionals include school counselors, school social workers, and school psychologists. They support classroom instruction by helping to remove barriers to learning, and they can also be a connector to services in the community.

• School Counselors provide counseling services to students in three domains: academics, college and career, and life skills. As trained mental health professionals, they hold a master's degree in counseling and can offer individual, group, or classroom supports.
• School Social Workers address social, emotional, economic, and environmental barriers that may interfere with a student’s academic success.
• School Psychologists are mental health professionals trained to provide mental and behavioral health services for individual students and groups of students.

A common question that is asked, is whether or not the behaviors or emotions that a child displays is part of normal development or if it is a sign of a mental health problem. Knowing the warning signs, active listening, and being prepared to have conversations about mental health can help answer this question, protect children, build trusting relationships, and grow resilience.

• Parents can find Questions and Answers About Mental Health from the National Institute of Mental Health, including “Where should I start if I am concerned about my child’s mental health?” and “How can the school support my child’s mental health?”
• The ParentGuidance.org site offers a library of courses for parents developed by mental health experts to offer information, hope, answers, and compassionate help. The topics below are included on the site and may be of interest to parents.
  • What Parents Need to Know About Suicide Prevention
  • Strategies to Help with Anxiety and Depression
  • Supporting Your Child After Trauma
• The Child Mind Institute’s Family Resource Center resource can assist parents in finding information to help support your children struggling with learning challenges, which includes mental health issues. Specific topics include:
  • Child Anxiety
  • Depression and Mood Disorders
  • Behavior Problems
  • Positive Parenting, Thriving Kids is a series of free videos and print resources with practical, evidence-based information and skills to address your most common parenting challenges.

The Community Services Board and Behavioral Health Authority Directory assists families in locating mental health services. Use the link to search by zip code and save contact information outside of the school with issues around mental health. Additionally, the Finding Mental Health Care for Your Child resource, parents can locate the needed services for their child. The webpage also presents tips and resources on mental health support.

I feel I need help right now for my child. Who can assist immediately?

If a child needs immediate assistance with a mental health or substance use issue, get help immediately by going to the local emergency room or calling or texting the “988” Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The 2-11 Virginia resource portal can be accessed to find local mental health and other resources.

Crisis Hotlines and Resources to Locate Providers

 Resources on Youth Mental Health

Opioid and Substance Abuse Prevention Supports

What is an opioid?

An opioid is a drug that can originate from natural, semisynthetic, or fully synthetic sources.  Opioids work by binding to the opioid receptors in the brain to block or dull pain, while also releasing dopamine, the feel-good chemical. It can be produced legally by pharmaceutical companies for medicinal purposes or through illicit production.  They can often be prescribed for things like surgery and pain management. Potency varies widely, and tolerance builds quickly and can be extremely addicting.

Overdosing on an opiate slows breathing and heart rate but can be reversed if naloxone or naltrexone is administered in time as it binds to opioid receptors in the brain to prevent opioids from binding, thus reviving someone from an overdose. Opioids, especially fentanyl, can be laced into other street drugs, like Percocet, making them deadly when consumed.  Seven out of 10 street drugs contain a deadly does of fentanyl. 

What can I do as a parent to protect my family from opioid misuse?

There are several things that parents can do to protect family members from opioid misuse, but the best place to start is by simply talking to children. Children who learn about the risks of drugs at home are less likely to use drugs than those who do not talk about this at home. Start talking about medication safety early by advising young children not to take any pills without asking you first.

• The It Only Takes One campaign was developed to drive awareness and begin conversations around the risks of fentanyl among Virginia’s youth.
• The One Pill Can Kill campaign, initiated by Office of the Attorney General and the first Lady of Virginia is raising awareness through education and prevention resources of the pervasive dangers of fake prescription pills, particularly those containing fentanyl.
• The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) created Revive! Teen Modules to help young people (teens) understand the real risks of opioids. The module aims to break the stigma around opioid overdoses and start conversations about prevention and preparedness in an event of an opioid overdose.
• The Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth was established by the Virginia General Assembly to empower Virginia’s youth to make healthy choices by reducing and preventing youth tobacco and nicotine use, substance use, and childhood obesity.

What if I am concerned my child is using opioids?

There are several resources available that provide information and training to assist and respond to a known or suspected opioid overdose emergency. Training includes recognizing the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose, the appropriate care to provide based on the person's breathing and level of responsiveness, and how to administer Naloxone/Narcan to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

• VDOE Substance Use and Overdose Prevention Resources is a compendium of resources and information for parents around substance misuse awareness and education.
• Opioid Facts for Parents provides information on how to talk about opioids with children. By knowing the facts, parents can have open conversation with children about the risks.
• The Tips for Teens: The Truth About Opioids Fact Sheet from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides facts about opioids and describes short- and long-term effects and lists signs of opioid use. The fact sheet helps to dispel common myths about opioids.
• REVIVE! is the Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Education (OONE) program for the Commonwealth of Virginia. REVIVE! provides training on how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose emergency using naloxone.
• The American Red Cross provides courses that include opioid overdose response and naloxone administration as part of their first aid, CPR, and AED training programs.
• Hidden in Plain Sight provides information for parents about where to look and what to look for if there is a suspicion that a child may be using substances.

How can I talk to my child about the dangers of drugs and alcohol?

It is never too early to talk with children about the risks of underage drinking and other drug use. Research suggests that one of the most influential factors in healthy childhood development is a strong, open relationship with a parent. You can help your child avoid the dangers of alcohol and drugs by serving as a positive role model, getting to know your children’s friends, and connecting with other parents to send a clear message on the importance of youth not drinking or using drugs.

• SAMHSA’s Talk. They hear you. brochures include information on the risks of a variety of drugs and alcohol and ways to start the conversation with children. SAMHSA elaborates on the consequences of underage drinking, which can provide parents with facts when addressing the topic with children.
• The United Stated Departments of Justice and Education developed a Parents Guide to Substance Use Prevention for the parents to learn facts about youth substance use and find ways to have conversations with children about avoiding exposure to substance use and managing peer pressure.
• Governor Youngkin’s Executive Order 28 was issued to promptly notify parents in the event of a school-connected opioid overdose in order to improve transparency and community awareness and support student safety. In the event of notification, parents are encouraged to utilize the enclosed resources and to discuss the incident with their child.

What signs should I look for if I suspect my child is using drugs?

When youth are struggling with drugs and/or emotional challenges, there may be changes in their actions and behavior. Parents can look for changes in their child’s physical health, performance at school or work, or relationships. This may be an indicator of distress, and possibly that they are struggling with drug use. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) suggests others signs that to look for:

• Hanging out with different friends than usual.
• Not caring about their appearance.
• Getting lower grades in school.
• Missing classes or skipping school.
• Losing interest in their favorite activities.
• Getting in trouble in school or with the law.
• Having different eating or sleeping habits.
• Having more problems with family members and friends.

How can I find support if my child is struggling with alcohol or drug use?

When children are using alcohol or drugs, it can be challenging for parents to know where to turn for help. The first step in finding support for your child if there are concerns about alcohol or drug use is making an appointment with your child’s pediatrician or primary care doctor.  They can help by screening for the substance use, provide education around treatment and supports, and work to make sure you are connected to any specialty services needed.

The Partnership to End Addiction includes resources to support parents navigating substance use treatment for their child. Parents can receive individualized feedback that can include confidential communication with a trained specialist to create an action plan and access to online support groups. The site also offers an evidence-based, self-paced training for parents to learn more about substance use and techniques for talking and working with children.

Resources on Substance Use

Cell Phone-Free Supports for Families

What is Cell Phone-Free Education and why is it important for my child?

“Cell Phone-Free Education” means the elimination or restriction of cell phones and other personal electronic communication devices in public schools as is age appropriate. As technology becomes increasingly integrated into children’s lives, it is crucial for families to be informed of the impacts cell phones, social media, and personal electronic communication devices have and effective strategies and resources to guide their children through the challenges technology can present.

In July 2024, Governor Glenn Youngkin issued Executive Order 33 (“EO33”) establishing Cell Phone-Free Education in public schools to promote the health and safety of Virginia’s K-12 students. Parents, public health professionals, educators, and other stakeholders across the Commonwealth expressed concern over the alarming mental health crisis and chronic health conditions affecting adolescents, such as depression and anxiety, driven in part by extensive social media usage and widespread cell phone possession among children.  Creating a Cell Phone-Free education environment in public schools is not only a prudent measure, but an essential one to promote a healthier and more focused educational environment where every child is free to learn.  

How can I encourage non-digital activities?

Engage children in a balance between screen time and activities like reading, outdoor play, arts and crafts, or family time. A family schedule can be created that includes tech-free times such as mealtimes, bedtime, and outdoor activities. Also, creating a Family Media Plan to facilitate discussion around safe and practical media use that works for a family’s specific needs. Parents/guardians can promote activities like sports, hobbies, after school clubs, and study groups as alternative to social media. Further, teens can be encouraged to periodically take a “digital detox” particularly during stressful times such as exam periods.

What can I do as a parent/guardian to assist my child with cell phone/social media overuse?

Parents/guardians can model positive digital behavior and set a good example by demonstrating healthy digital habits such as modeling appropriate phone usage, being mindful of adult screen time, and avoiding checking phones during family interactions or meals. Parents can set reasonable screen time limits by having a collaborative conversation with teens, including discussing the potential harmful impacts of social media. Screen time can be restricted at least one hour before bedtime, phones can be removed from the bedroom, families can set family “device-free” times, and children’s accounts can be monitored.

In addition, emphasizing digital wellness can assist parents/guardians to encourage a balance between screen-based activities and other pursuits, and promoting activities that support emotional, physical, social, and cognitive developments. Watch the recorded fireside chat facilitated by First Lady of Virginia Suzanne S. Youngkin discussing the “The Anxious Generation” book by Jonathan Haidt. It can be utilized as an opportunity to facilitate community conversations with parents, educators, students, and community members to create best practices for the use of cell phones and social media both in and out of school. For additional parent resources, visit the GoOpenVA: Internet Safety Resources page.

What information does my child need to know?

It is important to discuss the impacts of social media on youth’s mental well-being. While social media can be used in a positive manner, addictive algorithms and overuse often times lead to a harmful impact on youth.  Children spend an average of 4.8 hours a day on social media. Recent studies indicate that spending more than 3 hours a day on social media doubles the risk of poor mental health for adolescents. Open conversations about online mental health, the risks of excessive social media use (i.e. anxiety, depression), and the importance of self-care. Encourage teens to unfollow or mute accounts that make them feel negatively about themselves, limit notifications, and curate positive content feeds.

Informing teens about digital footprint and the long-term consequences of digital actions. Posts now could impact college applications, job prospects, and personal privacies. Teens can learn about the importance of privacy settings and how to adjust them on different platforms to keep their information secure. The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse offers detailed guides on digital privacy, including how teens can protect personal data. Another resource is the Cyberbullying Research Center that helps teens navigate the digital world with advice on managing digital footprint and respond to cyberbullying.

 Resources on Cell Phone Use

School Nutrition Supports

The Virginia Department of Education, Office of School and Community Nutrition Programs (VDOE-SCNP) is committed to ensuring that every Virginia student has equitable access to freshly prepared, nutritious, locally sourced, and student inspired meals. Studies show that well-nourished students are better prepared to learn, and schools and community organizations help to provide a healthy environment through nutritious meals, healthy snacks, and opportunities for physical and nutrition education.

Nutrition is important to student success and wellness. A healthy diet provides the energy students need for both physical and mental activities. Nutrition is critical for brain development and function. A healthy diet provides nutrients that support cognitive function, memory and attention. Students who eat a healthy breakfast tend to have better grades and test scores. They also have improved concentration and are more likely to attend school regularly. Lastly, nutrition impacts mental health. When students lack the healthy foods they need, stress and anxiety can interfere with learning and well-being.  (Top 6 Reasons Healthy Food is Important for Students in School).

There are several ways parents can encourage their children to develop healthy eating habits.

• Review school menus with your kids and encourage them to try new food items. Use this as a chance to talk to your children about what’s being offered, and the nutrients in different foods.
• Get your kids involved in meal planning at home and let them pick a new vegetable or fruit to try. This is a great way to have older children research different options for using a fruit or vegetable in a meal.
• Got a green thumb? Plant a garden at home, or volunteer to help with a community or school garden.

For more ideas and resources, see the CDC’s Encourage healthy eating in school and at home.

What nutrition resources are available at my child’s school?

There are multiple school and community nutrition programs here in Virginia. Many schools are currently participating in Breakfast after the Bell programs. These programs provide breakfast after the school day begins. BaB service models include Breakfast in the Classroom, Grab and Go, and Second Chance Breakfast. For more information and breakfast resources, visit VDOE’s School Breakfast Program webpage.

The Virginia Farm to School program increases equitable access to fresh, healthy, Virginia grown food while providing hands-on learning opportunities in a variety of educational settings. Across Virginia, schools and community sponsors of federal child nutrition programs express a growing enthusiasm to provide nutritious food, support local farms, and educate students about healthy eating, agriculture, and the environment.

Talk with your school’s cafeteria manager about what programs are available at your child’s school and how you can be involved.

Other Virginia School Nutrition Programs and Initiatives include:

• Afterschool Snack Program
  
  
• Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
  
  
• Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)