Local behavioral analyst talks back to school mental health amid pandemic

(TIFTON, GA) – Students are getting set for a school year unlike any other in recent years.

Either starting entirely online, or in a classroom at half occupancy, parents are showing concern for their kids and their mental state according to a local behavioral analyst.

The Conner Group’s Teresa Conner tells us, “With the constant changes this year, no one really knows or understands what to expect. And even with the plans the school system has in place, we really don’t know…”

In some school systems like Terrell and Tift county, they’ve announced rotation plans in order to keep as few students in the building at one time.

The Conner Group in Tifton, has been working with families in recent weeks on how children and even the parents can adapt to the ever-hanging situation.

“I think the best way to prepare our children, mentally and emotionally, for this time is to try and have as much structure as possible, and also prepare them for what to expect,” says Conner.

As many have voiced the idea of distance learning for the start of the year to help further protect students, the conner group says that for the time being this is one of the best courses of action.

Conner says, “Some children we’ve recommended online-education only, cause it’s just in their best interests to have that kind of structure with no changes. We have some parents whose children can handle it a little better, so it’s all individualized towards the child…”

With parents across the area looking at the constantly monitoring which ways the pandemic influences the school year, they’re making sure that their kids mental health comes first.