In a recent meeting of the Greenwich Board of Education, held on April 24, 2025, members engaged in a thoughtful discussion about the results of a student and parent survey that has become a vital tool for understanding the needs and challenges faced by the community's youth. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of urgency as board members reviewed the data, which revealed significant insights into students' mental health, technology use, and sleep patterns.

One of the key points raised was the availability of the survey in multiple languages. Currently, the parent survey is offered in English and Spanish, while students can only complete it in English. This limitation sparked a conversation about accessibility, with suggestions for expanding language options in future surveys to ensure all families can participate fully.

The board also addressed the opt-out option for the survey, noting that approximately 25 students from Greenwich High School chose not to participate, while fewer than ten opted out from Greenwich Academy. This data is crucial as it reflects the community's engagement with the survey and the importance of gathering comprehensive feedback.

As the discussion progressed, board members highlighted the importance of the survey data in shaping future programs. One member expressed gratitude for the insights gained over the years, emphasizing how the information has been instrumental in developing initiatives aimed at supporting students and parents alike. Among the successful programs mentioned was a recent event called "Hidden in Plain Sight," which educated parents on identifying potential substance use in their children's bedrooms.

The conversation took a deeper turn as members examined the concerning statistics regarding students' mental health and technology use. Notably, 17% of teenagers reported feeling consistently depressed, a slight decrease from previous years, yet still alarming. Additionally, the data revealed that many students are struggling with sleep, with only 45% achieving the recommended 8 to 10 hours. The board recognized the potential link between excessive screen time and sleep disruption, with 40% of students reporting interrupted sleep due to cell phone use.

In light of these findings, board members expressed the need for a renewed focus on addressing these issues. One member pointed out that while the data has shown slight improvements, the overall trends indicate that more proactive measures are necessary. The discussion included suggestions for future surveys to delve deeper into the relationship between technology use and sleep, as well as exploring the impact of social media on students' well-being.

As the meeting drew to a close, the board acknowledged the importance of continuing these conversations and taking action based on the data collected. The insights gained from the survey not only inform the board's decisions but also serve as a call to action for the entire community to support the mental health and well-being of its youth. With plans to revisit the survey's structure and content in the coming year, the Greenwich Board of Education is poised to make informed decisions that could significantly impact the lives of students and families in the district.