Office to teach parents on red flags

CEBU, Philippines — The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Office (SAMHSO) is strengthening its advocacy efforts through orientations in barangays and schools.

SAMHSO head Niño Krisbayani Dargantes said the office also plans to train teachers and parents to recognize red flags among their students and children.

The initiative comes after the conduct of school safety activities and assessments among students, prompting the office to further engage teachers and parents in identifying concerns that may require early intervention.

“Teachers and parents. Mao na ang among goal karon. Teachers and parents dapat makabantay g’yud sila,” Dargantes said.

He said changes in a child’s attitude or behavior are sometimes dismissed as normal, when these could be signs that the child is dealing with an issue.

“Normal man gud na sa atoa nga baliwalaon lang. Pero naa man g’yuy mga instances nga dili lang ta kabantay naa na diay gi-taguan ang bata,” Dargantes said.

Dargantes said SAMHSO is coordinating with the Department of Education (DepEd) as part of its efforts to strengthen its programs in schools.

The office has already conducted advocacy activities in both public and private schools, while similar activities are also being expanded in barangays.

Dargantes said SAMHSO is also discussing with DepEd and the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) how parents can be included in the activities.

He said meetings with DepEd and the PTA have already been conducted, with the office ready to discuss topics that schools and parents may want to address.

Students who are identified as needing further assistance may also be referred to SAMHSO for assessment, Dargantes said.

The office’s psychometricians will conduct the assessment and determine whether further intervention is needed. Students requiring specialized care may then be referred to a psychologist or psychiatrist.

Dargantes said the training is intended to help teachers and parents become more attentive to changes in students’ behavior and identify concerns that may otherwise go unnoticed.