It’s no surprise that there is concern that the COVID-19 pandemic can harm people’s health physically, emotionally, and even psychologically. After one year of COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions, it has become more apparent that the pandemic is having a severe toll on our mental health. Even more sobering is the fact that everything is so unpredictable, making it difficult to see a light at the end of a very long and dark tunnel.

Being a teenager isn’t easy by any means, and COVID-19 has made it more challenging than ever. Preparing for finals, keeping in touch with friends, maintaining relationships, and the pressure of getting into a good college or university has kept teens struggling to find that perfect school and social life balance. Now, not only do they have to battle with the changes and responsibilities of growing up, but they have to modify their lives to the pandemic and the uncertainty that lies ahead.

Maintaining mental health is just as important as curbing the spread of COVID-19. A study done by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that between April and October of 2020, emergency departments saw an alarming discovery of growth in children visiting the hospital due to mental health needs.

There are many misconceptions that suggest it is difficult to identify those who are suicidal. Studies show that many who are contemplating suicide actually leave warning signs that simply go unnoticed or are overlooked, which is why Netsweeper has made it its goal to develop technology that detects these signs.

Netsweeper’s Mission

At Netsweeper, our mission is to protect internet users from harmful content online and provide filtering, monitoring and reporting solutions to ensure digital safety on-premises and in remote environments.

Netsweeper’s onGuard

onGuard is Netsweeper’s student monitoring solution that takes student protection beyond the URL, scanning desktop content both online and offline. This means educators have deep insights into online activity and can quickly identify when a student is at risk. With specific categories that detect suicide, cyberbullying, violence and more, onGuard identifies early signs of students who may be facing mental health challenges. This platform identifies potentially harmful actions in real-time, allowing safeguarding leaders to take proactive steps for early intervention and promote mental health wellness.

For more information on Netsweeper’s onGuard, download our brochure.

Protecting Students

A school’s responsibility is more than just educating students, it’s about protecting them as well. With the growth of technology and the increase of students in remote learning, cyber safety is essential to enhance education and protect the overall wellness of students.

Suicide can be prevented! If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Submitted by: Natasha Pande