The recent suicide of a 10-year-old autistic black student in Utah, along with reports that school officials did not act when alerted to the repeated bullying the child endured, has brought bullying back into the spotlight. If your PTA is interested in hosting a bullying prevention event or looking for materials to share with families, … Continue reading Bullying Prevention Resources for Your PTA
How to Know When Your Kid Needs a Mental Health Day
In September, Governor JB Pritzker signed SB1577 into law, providing all Illinois students with the ability to take up to five excused mental health days starting in January. Students taking a mental health day will not be required to provide their school with a doctor’s note and will be able to make up any work … Continue reading How to Know When Your Kid Needs a Mental Health Day
The Pandemic’s Effect on Children’s Mental Health
The Child Mind Institute has released its annual report on children’s mental health, this year focusing on the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. The report, The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Children’s Mental Health: What We Know So Far, looks at: What is known about the pandemic’s effect on children’s mental healthWhat are the most common mental … Continue reading The Pandemic’s Effect on Children’s Mental Health
Teen Suicide—What Families and PTAs Need to Know
September is Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in 15- to 19-year-olds. Northwestern School of Medicine has a resource page on teen suicide that will help you educate yourself and talk with your teen about the issue. In addition, a new law in Illinois will require school districts that issue identification cards … Continue reading Teen Suicide—What Families and PTAs Need to Know
One Voice Illinois 