How to Support Your Teen’s Mental Health: Katy ISD Kicks Off Parent Academy with Free Webinar
As youth mental health challenges continue to rise nationwide, Katy Independent School District is launching its 2025-26 Legacy Parent Academy season with a virtual session designed to help families navigate these complex issues. The free webinar, titled “It’s Real: Teens and Mental Health,” begins at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, September 24.
Geared primarily toward parents of middle school students but relevant for all families, the session will address how to support adolescents facing emotional, psychological, or social difficulties. The webinar is presented in partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and will be accessible online through Katy ISD’s Legacy Parent Academy webpage by clicking "Join the meeting now."
“The overall well-being of a child contributes greatly to student success in the classroom,” said Dr. Emily Craig, Assistant Superintendent of School Leadership & Support. “We encourage all families to partner with Katy ISD and their campuses to access supports that positively impact our students.”
Katy ISD’s Legacy Parent Academy is a long-running initiative that offers informational sessions throughout the school year on timely topics affecting children and teens. From social-emotional development to academic strategies, the program seeks to equip families with tools to foster resilience and success at home and in school.
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Why This Webinar Matters Now
The timing of the session aligns with a growing national focus on youth mental health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 3 in 5 U.S. teen girls reported feeling persistently sad or hopeless in 2021—a 60% increase from a decade prior. Among teen boys, rates of anxiety and depression have also climbed significantly, especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The CDC also notes that suicide remains the second leading cause of death among individuals ages 10 to 24. Mental health professionals agree that parental involvement and early intervention are two of the most effective ways to reduce risks and build long-term wellness.
Webinars like this provide a safe, accessible space for families to learn how to spot warning signs, engage in meaningful conversations, and connect with helpful resources—both within the district and beyond.
A Community-Wide Commitment
Katy ISD’s commitment to mental wellness extends beyond this one session. Throughout the year, the district will host additional Legacy Parent Academy topics aimed at equipping parents to navigate the academic pressures, social dynamics, and developmental milestones their children face.
With student well-being at the center of academic success, Katy ISD continues to invest in mental health programming and partnerships with experts such as the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
For families feeling unsure about how to approach sensitive topics like anxiety, depression, or emotional regulation, this first session of the season offers a judgment-free starting point.
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How to Join
- What: Legacy Parent Academy Webinar: “It’s Real – Teens and Mental Health”
- When: Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
- Where: Online – Click here to join the meeting
- Who Should Attend: Parents and guardians of middle schoolers, high schoolers, or any age child
- Cost: Free
Stay Connected
To explore future sessions or access mental health resources, visit the Legacy Parent Academy homepage. For ongoing updates on school programs, family support events, and student wellness news, stay tuned with My Neighborhood News.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
