CUMBERLAND COUNTY, N.C. — If your student has dealt with a mental health crisis since the COVID-19 pandemic, they are not alone. The American Psychological Association said from March 2020 to October 2020, mental health related emergency department visits increased 24% for children ages 5 to 11, and 31% for those ages 12 to 17 compared with 2019 data.

What You Need To Know

  •  Cumberland County Schools is supporting students' mental health

  •  The district is using an app called Alongside 

  • Alongside was made to partner with schools to combat the youth mental health crisis

  • The app uses A.I. technology to provide strategies and tips to students

Meanwhile, schools are working to support students. Cumberland County Schools recently unveiled a new mental health app geared toward helping students in grades 6 through 12. The app is called Alongside. Alongside was made to partner with schools to combat the youth mental health crisis.

Jessica Fikes, a Cumberland County student, tried out the app and said it’s been helpful to navigate daily challenges she’s been facing.

“The breathing techniques are very helpful, if you are ever feeling like you’re overwhelmed,” Fikes said. “They just kind of help calm yourself down.”

Alongside supports teens social, emotional and behavioral well being. Students can engage with an A.I. chat-bot, named Kiwi, that provides evidence based strategies and tips developed by a team of doctoral clinicians.

“Kiwi here is the mascot and he’s just an adorable little llama that is meant to help with students in their mental health,” Fikes said. “If they are struggling with something, it’s good for them to kind of have an outlet.”

On the app, there are videos that can help students deal with certain conflicts. There are also features like journaling and goal setting.

Fikes said when her mom and her grandmother were dealing with health issues around the same time, the app helped her. She’s hoping it can do the same for others.

“There are times when I felt I wasn’t doing enough, where I felt like I wasn’t being the best I could be and that led me to having several panic attacks, but the app has definitely helped keep those under control,” Fikes said. “My feelings have been less aggressive, and I’ve definitely felt a lot better since using the app.”

The app offers 24/7 support. It is important to note that parental permission is required for access to the app. If anything like harm or abuse happens while students are using the app, they have an easy and non-confrontational way to get support from real people.