LAPS NEWS RELEASE
Earlier this month Los Alamos Public Schools (LAPS) hosted a community event titled “Drugs, Sex, and Phones: What Families Need to Know About Smartphones and Social Media” aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of technology misuse among teens and preteens. With a focus on the impact of social media, cell phone use, and their connections to bullying, drug access, and other risky behaviors, the event featured speakers from the school district and the Los Alamos Police Department.
LAPS invites parents and caregivers of elementary aged children to attend a follow up event 6-7:30 p.m. on Nov. 14 in the Mountain School Gymnasium. Light food will be served and childcare provided for children in pre-K-6th grade.
On the evening of Oct. 1, LAPS Superintendent Jennifer Guy welcomed attendees and emphasized the importance of proactive conversations between schools and families, stating, “By working together as a community, we can help our children navigate the challenges of today’s digital world and protect them from harmful behaviors. It is crucial for caregivers to understand the risks that smartphones and social media can pose to our youth. Our goal is to provide families with the tools and resources they need to foster healthy digital habits in partnership with their children.”
Los Alamos Middle School Principal Jill Gonzales and Los Alamos High School Principal Renee Dunwoody opened the discussion by highlighting the growing concern over cyberbullying through platforms like Instagram. They emphasized the harmful effects on middle school girls, who are particularly vulnerable to the pressures and dangers of social media. The administrators also addressed the growing trend of students using apps like Snapchat to share explicit photos, often without realizing the permanence of their actions and the potential for widespread distribution. Finally, they shared how cellphones and social media have made accessing drugs easy – they can be one friend request and one click away.
Principal Gonazales shared, “One thing I often wish parents knew is how crucial it is to actively monitor and guide their child’s social media and cell phone use. While these tools can help students connect and learn, they’re also powerful sources of distraction, cyberbullying, and exposure to inappropriate content. I want parents to understand that setting boundaries, having open conversations about responsible online behavior, and periodically checking their child’s online activities can significantly help students navigate social media safely and positively. Middle school students benefit greatly from parental guidance in managing their digital lives while developing healthy screen habits and communication skills.”
Los Alamos Police Department Corporal Amos Smith further elaborated on the ways cell phones are being used to facilitate risky behaviors. His presentation focused on the permanency of online activities, particularly when it comes to the sharing of nude photos. Corporal Smith shared that cases of sextortion have become more common, often involving two minors initially sharing intimate content consensually, which can limit legal recourse after the fact. Corporal Smith also discussed how social media platforms allow youth to easily conceal their online activities and the role of AI in this evolving landscape. He shared how easily drug drops can be arranged through social media, and how vaping devices are often disguised as everyday items, making it more difficult for parents and authorities to detect risky behaviors. Additionally, he highlighted the dangers of video games and social networking apps, particularly how platforms like Discord can expose young players to harmful adult interactions, including grooming and inappropriate content.
LAHS School Psychologist Caron Inglis and LAPS Prevention Program Coordinator Kristine Coblentz provided tools and strategies for parents to engage with their children on these issues. Their recommendations included fostering open communication, focusing on connection, and encouraging replacement activities that reduce screen time. They advised approaching conversations with curiosity, modeling responsible phone and online behavior, and making time to just listen and connect with youth in order to strengthen relationships and trust.
Coblentz shared feedback from LAHS students on the benefits of social media and smartphones and how it would be more effective for adults to approach the topic with curiosity and understanding rather than judgement and harsh punishment. LAPS shared additional resources including a wellness checklist, tips on how to set screen time limits, guides to parental controls, and conversation starters with attendees of the event. Participants were encouraged to respond to a survey offering suggestions for future gatherings.
Superintendent Guy moderated the event and facilitated an engaging Q&A session where attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and share concerns. Guests were invited to enjoy light food, and all attendees received a copy of ‘The Anxious Generation’ to take home for further reading.
Follow-up events are planned, including opportunities specifically for families of elementary school students to address age-appropriate topics around technology and safety as well as workshops on more specific topics.
Los Alamos Public Schools coordinates a range of prevention activities, delivered by school staff and community partners, with funding from Los Alamos County. The program aims to strengthen protective factors, build life skills, and resilience, while reducing risk behaviors and harm to children and youth.
For more information, questions, or feedback contact Superintendent Guy at j.guy@laschools.net, Coblentz at k.coblentz@laschools.net or LAPS Elementary Prevention Specialist Sylvia Diehl at s.diehl@laschools.net.
LAPS urges students and community members to report suspicious or concerning behavior to the school principal, assistant principal or counselor. Middle and high school students, as well as community members can also use the Say Something Anonymous Reporting app to confidentially report bullying as well as other mental health and safety concerns.