Manassas Park City Schools

Expectations of Excellence.

Supporting Student Safety & Wellbeing
The following guides and resources are designed to help families recognize warning signs, respond to mental health challenges, and create safer home environments for children and adolescents. For further information, please visit the Virginia Department of Education’s Parent & Caregiver Resources for Self-Harm, Suicide, & Violence Prevention.

• If this is an emergency, call 911.
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: call or text 988 (Free and confidential crisis counseling and support from trained professionals)
  

Safety Resources and Guides

• Safety Action Steps for Parents and Caregivers: Tools and Strategies for Keeping Your Child Safe

•  A Guide for Caregivers: Recognizing and Responding to Signs of Self-Harm

• A Guide for Caregivers: Recognizing and Responding to Suicide Risk

• A Guide for Caregivers: Recognizing and Responding to Signs of Violence

Guides for Limiting Access

• Limiting Access to Firearms

• Limiting Access to Medications & Substances

• Limiting Access to Ligatures

• Limiting Access to Knives and Sharp Objects

Tools for Building Connection & Coping Skills

•  Phrases for Validating Your Child: Validating a child’s emotions helps them feel seen, heard, and supported which builds emotional intelligence, trust, and resilience. Here are several helpful phrases parents can use during difficult conversations with their children.

• Meaningful Questions to Connect with Your Child Daily: This resource has questions designed to spark deeper conversations and provide greater insight into your child’s emotional and social experiences.
  
  
• Coping Toolbox (Childline): A free, engaging online resource where children and teens can explore interactive tools; like a “Coping Kit,” “Build Your Happy Place,” art activities, games, and videos. Each activity is designed to help young people manage difficult feelings, stress, bullying, anxiety, and more. Parents can encourage their kids to use the Toolbox to build resilience, express emotions, and learn practical coping strategies in a safe, private space.