LAPS NEWS RELEASE
Los Alamos Public Schools invites parents and caregivers of students of all ages to attend Part 2 of the series Drugs, Sex, and Phones: What Families Need to Know About Smartphones and
Social Media. The event will be held on Tuesday, March 4, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM in the Los Alamos High School Library.
In response to participant feedback, Part 2 of the LAPS Parent Event Series will feature an interactive workshop format, allowing attendees to join small group discussions on a range of
important topics related to youth and technology. Throughout the evening, workshop participants will have the opportunity to explore multiple subjects, ask questions, and engage in
meaningful conversations.
Table hosts will include representatives from the Los Alamos Police Department, school administration, library, technology, and counseling teams, and the Local therapist community. Topics will range from recent youth trends and problematic app usage, technology-related issues, managing devices and routines, the importance of teaching digital citizenship, and ways to navigate the digital world and stay connected as a family.
In the fall, the LAPS Prevention Team hosted two introductory events for families of elementary
and secondary students. During these forums, LAPS Superintendent Jennifer Guy joined school
administrators, school counseling and prevention program staff, and representatives from the
Los Alamos Police Department to share information about trends and activities that are dangerous to our youth. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and receive resources
including tips and strategies for talking with their children about navigating their smartphone
and digital media use in healthy ways.
This follow up event is intended to take a deeper dive into the tools and strategies families can
use to understand and manage smartphones and other devices and online platforms.
“At Los Alamos Public Schools, we recognize that parenting in the digital age comes with unique challenges,” said Supt. Jennifer Guy. “This workshop is designed to provide caregivers with practical tools and insights to help children navigate technology safely and responsibly. By bringing together experts from our schools, community, and local law enforcement, we hope to empower parents and caregivers with the knowledge and confidence to support their children in making healthy digital choices.”
Recognizing that parents and caregivers play the most important role in setting expectations
and guiding youth in their smartphone and social media use, LAPS invites families and community members to partner with us to address these challenges. Due to the nature of the information, parents and caregivers are asked to attend without their children. Childcare will be provided for school aged children.
Attendees can park either in front of the Auxiliary Gym or Duane Smith Auditorium and follow signs to the location. Light refreshments will be served.
LAPS reminds students and their families that they can always report a concern about any topic,
including but not limited to bullying, safety threats, suicide, vandalism, or drug use/trade, on
the See Something Say Something anonymous reporting app –
https://www.sandyhookpromise.org/our-programs/say-something-anonymous-reporting-system
Contact LAPS Prevention Program Coordinator Kristine Coblentz at k.coblentz@laschools.net or
(505) 663-2575 with questions or to request more information.