Schools evaluate GoGuardian for student Chromebook management and mental health support

The Gilbert Public Schools Board Meeting held on May 6, 2025, focused on the district's use of GoGuardian, a web filtering and monitoring tool for student Chromebooks. The discussion highlighted the effectiveness of GoGuardian in managing online safety and mental health risks among students.

During the meeting, officials emphasized their ongoing evaluation of GoGuardian and other potential content filtering products. Despite exploring alternatives, they noted that GoGuardian remains a strong choice due to its comprehensive features, which include the ability to filter specific YouTube content and block individual videos or channels.

James, a key speaker at the meeting, shared insights from his nine years of experience with GoGuardian, underscoring its role in managing student devices effectively. He pointed out that the platform's Beacon product, designed to alert administrators to potential mental health crises, has been particularly impactful. This system notifies school officials when students exhibit concerning behavior, allowing for timely intervention. James stated, "It's literally saved some lives," reflecting the critical nature of the tool in supporting student well-being.

The meeting also addressed how GoGuardian employs machine learning to monitor student activity across various platforms, including emails and Google Docs. This capability allows the system to detect concerning language or behaviors, prompting alerts to administrators who receive notifications via email and text message.

Overall, the board's discussions reaffirmed the importance of GoGuardian in maintaining a safe educational environment, while also acknowledging the need for continuous assessment of the tools used to support student safety and mental health. The district remains committed to ensuring that its technology effectively meets the needs of its students and staff.