Community Update

In today's world, smartphones, social media, and artificial intelligence are powerful tools that can connect us, inform us, and entertain us. Unfortunately, they are also used in ways that can be harmful, so it's important for students to develop responsible habits to get the most out of these technologies while staying safe online. Especially with social media and artificial intelligence, there's an added layer of age-appropriateness to consider. Most platforms have minimum age requirements (typically 13), established to protect younger users from exposure to content or interactions that might not be suitable.

As a school community, we can work together to create a safe and positive digital environment. By encouraging open communication, setting clear expectations, and teaching students critical thinking skills, we can empower our kids to be responsible digital citizens. This includes discussing the recommended age guidelines for different platforms (remember, 13 is the baseline for many) and helping them understand the potential social and emotional impacts of online interactions. Additionally, reminding our youth that taking or sharing unsolicited pictures or videos of other students without their consent can be a violation of privacy laws that can have serious consequences.

Vista Unified, similar to other districts across the state and nation, has seen a marked increase in social media related incidents that lead to bullying and student to student altercations. Our school district has an obligation to keep students safe on campus and during extracurricular events. One of the greatest challenges to safety is the disturbing escalation of bullying on social media platforms. While we have a detailed Board Policy to guard against bullying (5131.2), we all need to work as a community to eliminate the harmful effects of bullying on our students. An important part of digital citizenship is for students to learn how to act responsibly and ethically while interacting within the digital environment.

California Education Code (Section 48901.7) allows students to have phones at school for emergencies, however, to minimize distractions and ensure a focused learning environment, starting in the 2024-25 school year, these devices will not be permitted for use during non-instructional times at any of our elementary and middle school campuses unless permitted by a staff member for instructional or emergency uses. These expectations, along with any additional guidelines, will be outlined in detail in each school's handbook that is currently being updated and will be available with the summer registration process. At that time, we encourage you to review the handbook with your child to ensure a smooth and successful school year. It is important to know that a number of schools in Vista have already piloted this approach and have seen a significant reduction in incidents of bullying and altercations.

For a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our youth in the digital age, our entire leadership team is reading "The Anxious Generation" by Jonathan Haidt. This book explores the impact of technology on the mental health of adolescents and offers practical steps to foster resilience and well-being in a tech-driven world and how schools can help. A synopsis of the book can be found in a recent article that was published: Generation Anxiety: smartphones have created a gen Z mental health crisis – but there are ways to fix it (March 2024).

Teaching students about the harmful effects of controlled substances has been a primary focus this year in the district, especially for those in the secondary settings. Helping students understand the unintended consequences drugs and alcohol can have on their lives and the lives of their family has been taught through targeted lessons from Project REACH and our Town Hall event on Fentanyl.

Unsupervised time for students during the summer presents unique challenges, especially concerning the dangers of fentanyl and alcohol. With more free time and less adult supervision, young people may be tempted to experiment with substances like fentanyl and alcohol, unaware of the significant risks involved. Fentanyl, an extremely potent opioid, and alcohol, a central nervous system depressant, can have devastating effects on the body, particularly when used together.

Without proper guidance and oversight, students may be more susceptible to peer pressure and misinformation regarding substance use. The combination of unsupervised time and easy access to substances can increase the likelihood of experimentation, leading to potential overdose, addiction, and other serious health consequences.

Parents and Guardians play a crucial role in keeping their children safe during the summer months, particularly concerning the risks associated with fentanyl and alcohol. Here are some proactive steps parents can take:

1. Open Communication: Foster open and honest communication with your children about the dangers of fentanyl and alcohol. Encourage them to ask questions and express their concerns without fear of judgment.

2. Education: Provide accurate information about the risks and consequences of fentanyl and alcohol use. Discuss the dangers of mixing substances and emphasize the potentially lethal outcomes.

3. Set Clear Expectations: Establish clear rules and boundaries regarding substance use, including expectations for behavior during unsupervised time. Clearly communicate your family's values and expectations regarding substance use.

4. Monitor Activities: Stay involved in your child's summer activities and know who they are spending time with. Be aware of any changes in behavior or peer groups that may indicate substance use.

5. Lead by Example: Be a positive role model by demonstrating responsible alcohol use and avoiding the use of illicit substances. Your actions speak louder than words, so model healthy behaviors for your children to emulate.

6. Provide Alternatives: Encourage your child to participate in constructive and supervised activities during the summer, such as sports, camps, or volunteer work. Offer alternatives to substance-related social activities.

7. Establish Safety Plans: Discuss safety plans with your child in case they find themselves in situations involving substance use. Teach them how to recognize the signs of overdose and how to seek help in emergencies.

8. Stay Informed: Stay informed about local trends in substance use, including the availability of fentanyl-laced drugs, and educate yourself about the signs of substance use and overdose.

9. Seek Support: If you suspect that your child is struggling with substance use, seek professional help and support services. This may include counseling, therapy, or substance abuse treatment programs.

By taking proactive measures and maintaining open communication, parents can help protect their children from the dangers of fentanyl and alcohol during the summer months. For tips and ideas designed to help parents navigate these topics and more, visit the Vista Unified Student Wellness resource page.

Email: webmaster@vistausd.org
Website: vistausd.org
Location: 1234 Arcadia Avenue, Vista, CA, USA
Phone: (760) 726-2170
Twitter: @VistaBlueprint