Round Rock ISD Using Virtual Reality In Suicide Prevention Effort

ROUND ROCK, TEXAS — The Round Rock school district recently began using a virtual reality program to train staff members on identifying students who may be harboring suicidal thoughts, according to reports.

Suicide prevention training through the use of interaction scenarios between "virtual humans" is provided via use of a simulation service called Kognito, according to the company's website that showcases Round Rock ISD as one of its case studies. According to the company, users enter into a virtual environment to interact with "emotionally responsive virtual humans" in gaining insight into student who may be in the throes of mental health crises.

The virtual scenarios also depict role-playing exercises prompting users to identify the best methods of mitigating mental health issues, according to the website. Feedback is provided after each scenario is played out to help staff members refine their approach to students experiencing mental health issues, according to the company literature.

LaShanda Lewis, the school district's counseling services coordinator, told the Austin American-Statesman the Kognito sofware is being used to enable staff members to better engage with issues related to students' mental health. Particularly appealing, she noted, is the flexible approach afforded by the virtual software that enables staffers to handle scenarios in a flexible manner, and at their own pace.

“Staff can start the training, take a pause and then finish it anytime,” she told the newspaper. “And written information and videos are also available to provide more information.”

She said newly hired staff members undergoing the virtual training also participate in campus programs related to suicide prevention and child abuse through the use of role-playing exercises and videos.

The innovative approach comes at a time of heightened attention to student bullying, which sometimes leads to suicides. Texas Education Code requires school districts and open-enrollment charters to provide suicide prevention training for newly hired staff members and educators annually, the newspaper noted.

Other school districts are taking a proactive approach to ensure students are in good mental health. The Austin ISD this weekend is staging a health summit and fair designed to alert students and their parents to resources of which they can avail themselves in ensuring children are mentally healthy. The Austin ISD approach is accessible, presented as a family-friendly free event for families to attend — with food, raffle prizes and entertainment — while gaining valuable insight into issues related to mental health.

>>> Read the full story at Austin American-Statesman