Written by Lexi Solomon | City View Staff
When Cumberland County Schools officials tell students to “talk to the llama,” they’re not kidding.
Thanks to the February 15 release of “Alongside,” an app designed to provide mental health support to middle school and high school students, kids in need can use AI (artificial intelligence) to You can now talk to your new avatar, Kiwi the Llama. It includes resources and advice on over 80 topics, from friendship breakups to grief.
Dr. Natasha Scott, executive director of student services, told City View that she learned about the app at a conference for school counselors in Atlanta last summer.
“They were having a vendor exhibit, and it just so happened that one of the vendors I talked to was Alongside,” she said. “I had them contact me and set up a meeting here with some of my colleagues.”
Four months later, in November, the Cumberland County Board of Education unanimously approved a two-year, $348,694 contract with the Seattle-based developer.
Scott said he has spent much of the past seven months soliciting feedback on the app and encouraging employees and Cumberland County students to try the free demo being provided to the school system.
“The kids responded very positively to it,” she said. “We kept trying and kept talking to people.”
What does the app offer?
“We say let’s talk to the llama, but the llama actually helps the students work through a series of exercises (social-emotional learning exercises, self-help type exercises) so that the kids can do some coping strategies. We’re helping them develop skills and strategies that are their own,” Scott said.
In addition to its adorable chatbot, Alongside also offers videos on a variety of related topics, how to set goals, and journaling options, according to a presentation Scott gave to the company’s board on Nov. 7.
In a video introduction shared by Cumberland County Schools, 71st High School sophomore Jessica Fikes said she found the app helpful.
“I’m not good at talking to people about certain topics and I’m not good at telling people what the problem is,” she said. “I feel like this app has helped me with that a little bit. It also helps me stay organized because I use my goals and diary to help me think about my thoughts and what I have to do that day. Very helpful.”
If the chatbot detects suicidal thoughts or risk of self-harm while interacting with a student, it immediately notifies the parent or guardian by text and also notifies the student’s school. Mr Kiwi will also instruct students to call 988, the national 24-hour suicide and crisis lifeline, and to contact emergency services if the situation is dire, Mr Scott’s presentation said. .
According to the draft agreement with Alongside, school systems will also have access to live dashboards that track school- and district-specific insights about topics students are struggling with and resources students are using.
According to , after obtaining parental permission in electronic form or in writing, students will be able to access the app on their iOS or Android device or on the web using their school email. cumberland county schools. Apps do not share information about individual conversations with parents unless there is a risk of harm to the student, but students may not be able to authorize the app to share data with their school, parents, or guardians. You can also request a meeting with your school’s support team.
At a press conference at 71st Classical Middle School on February 15th, Dr. Elsa Frith, a licensed psychologist and director of Alongside’s mental health department, said her team has been working hard in response to the coronavirus pandemic. He said that he decided to create an app.
“We know we are in a youth mental health crisis, but at the same time only 15% of schools can find enough counselors to meet the growing needs of their students,” she said. Ta.
School officials say the app is not intended to replace school counselors, but to complement students who are afraid to share their feelings with others or who are waiting to see a counselor. He emphasized that.
“It’s hard for students to come to school and do all the things we want them to do when they’re suffering in silence and worrying about all sorts of other things,” Scott said. “We want our children to know that it’s okay to ask for help with anything. If they don’t want to talk to us, talk to the llamas.”
Scott encouraged parents with questions to read the frequently asked questions. School system website or try free demo It’s on the Alongside website.
“Don’t just say no without looking into it a little more first,” she said. “Everything is listed on the website so students can make the decision that is best for them.”
And while Kiwis are happy to help, Professor Scott said students should remember that their furry friends can’t solve every problem.
“When they talk to the llama, if it’s a serious story like child abuse or suicidal thoughts, the llama will talk to an adult,” she says. “Even Kiwis ask for help.”
Contact reporter Lexi Solomon at: lsolomon@cityviewnc.com or call 910-423-6500.
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