Boys Town Promotes Mental Health Awareness on World Mental Health Day: October 10

5 Expert Tips to Support Your Family’s Mental Health

In celebration of World Mental Health Day on October 10th, Boys Town Nevada is committed to raising awareness about the importance of mental well-being and providing families with tools to help children and teens thrive emotionally. With over 100 years of experience supporting families, Boys Town offers expert advice and resources to help parents prioritize mental health at home.

World Mental Health Day is a global initiative dedicated to spreading awareness about mental health issues and encouraging people to seek support. This year’s theme, “It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace”, encourages people to focus on mental health support at work while recognizing the importance of emotional wellness in every area of life.

Why It’s Important:
Mental health directly impacts how we handle stress, make decisions, and connect with others. Sadly, mental health struggles, especially in children, are often overlooked. These challenges can lead to anxiety, depression, and other serious conditions if left untreated. Boys Town Nevada’s mission is to help families recognize and address these issues early.

5 Expert Tips for Supporting Mental Health

Boys Town Nevada experts offer these tips to help families foster emotional well-being:

1. Encourage Open Communication
   Create a safe, non-judgmental environment where your children feel comfortable discussing their feelings. Regular check-ins help normalize mental health conversations and can reveal early warning signs.
2. Establish Healthy Routines
   Consistency in daily routines helps children feel more secure. Prioritize healthy sleep, balanced nutrition, and regular physical activity, all of which contribute to emotional resilience.
3. Teach Stress Management Techniques
   Introduce coping strategies like deep breathing, journaling, or mindfulness exercises. These tools help children manage stress and handle life’s challenges more effectively.
4. Limit Screen Time and Social Media
   While technology is essential, too much screen time—especially on social media—can negatively impact mental health. Encourage tech-free time and help your children set healthy boundaries.
5. Model Self-Care
   Children learn by example. Make self-care a priority for yourself, too. When kids see you managing stress in healthy ways, they’re more likely to follow suit.

How Boys Town Nevada Can Help

If you or your child are struggling and things are not improving, it’s okay to ask for help. You do not have to take these issues by yourself. Families can access Boys Town’s comprehensive resources and mental health services, including:

• Boys Town National Hotline: Available 24/7 at 1-800-448-3000 for children, teens, and parents seeking confidential support.
• Telehealth Counseling: Offering convenient and secure virtual therapy options for individuals and families.
• Common Sense Parenting Program: Workshops focused on improving parent-child communication and emotional health.

This World Mental Health Day, Boys Town Nevada encourages parents, caregivers, and educators to prioritize mental wellness in their families and communities. By taking proactive steps, we can create safe, supportive environments where children thrive.

For more information on Boys Town’s mental health resources or to schedule an interview with a Boys Town mental health expert, visit www.boystown.org

Boys Town Nevada Promotes Bullying Prevention Awareness in October: Empowering Parents and Children to Combat Bullying
(Las Vegas, Nev) [October 9, 2024] – As part of National Bullying Prevention Month this October, Boys Town Nevada is taking the lead in raising awareness and providing valuable resources to help parents, teachers, and children recognize, prevent, and respond to bullying. With more than 100 years of experience supporting families and children, Boys Town understands the importance of creating safe, supportive environments where children can thrive—free from the damaging effects of bullying.

Bullying has far-reaching consequences for both the victim and the perpetrator, impacting mental health, academic performance, and emotional well-being. Recent statistics reveal that more than 1 in 5 students experience bullying, and countless others remain silent victims. With the growing presence of bullying in schools, online platforms, and social spaces, parents and educators must lead proactive conversations and take decisive action.

Boys Town Nevada experts offer important advice and practical tips for families to combat bullying. Key resources include:

• Recognizing the Signs of Bullying: From sudden changes in behavior to social withdrawal, it’s crucial to recognize the warning signs that a child may be experiencing or engaging in bullying behavior.
• Fostering Open Communication: Boys Town emphasizes the importance of parents creating an environment where children feel comfortable discussing their experiences, fears, and challenges.
• Empowering Children with Coping Strategies: Building self-esteem and teaching conflict resolution skills can help children navigate difficult social situations and reduce the risk of bullying.
• Responding Effectively: Boys Town Nevada provides step-by-step guidance on how to address bullying incidents, from reporting to school authorities to working collaboratively with other parents.

“Bullying isn’t just a phase that children outgrow—it can have lasting emotional and psychological effects,” said John Etzell, Executive Director of Boys Town Nevada. “Our goal is to give parents and teachers the resources they need to stop bullying before it starts, and to provide children with the support they need to thrive in safe, positive environments.”

Throughout October, Boys Town Nevada will host a series of virtual workshops, community discussions, and social media campaigns aimed at raising awareness about bullying prevention and equipping parents with practical tools to protect their children. From addressing cyberbullying to supporting children’s mental health, these efforts will help ensure that every child feels safe and supported.

For more information on Boys Town Nevada’s bullying prevention resources or to join the conversation during Bullying Prevention Month, visit www.parenting.org. 

About Boys Town:
For over a century, Boys Town has been a beacon of hope, transforming the lives of America’s children and families through innovative youth, research, and healthcare programs. Boys Town provides compassionate, research-proven education, prevention, training, and treatment for behavioral and physical problems in multiple locations throughout the United States, with a comprehensive array of services. In 2023, more than 715,000 children and families across the United States were impacted by Boys Town programs. You can find more information about Boys Town online at www.boystown.org.

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