GoGuardian enhances student safety features with Beacon mental health monitoring system

The Gilbert Public Schools Board Meeting held on May 6, 2025, focused on the effectiveness of the district's student Chromebook management and mental health monitoring systems. A significant portion of the discussion centered around the GoGuardian platform, which has been instrumental in managing student online activity and ensuring their safety.

The board highlighted GoGuardian's advanced web filtering capabilities, which allow for precise control over student access to online content, including the ability to block specific YouTube videos and channels. This feature is particularly important in maintaining a safe online environment for students.

Another critical aspect discussed was GoGuardian's Beacon product, designed to identify and alert school administrators to potential mental health risks among students. This system has been in place for approximately six to seven years and has reportedly played a vital role in preventing self-harm and other crises. Administrators receive notifications via email and text when alerts are triggered, ensuring timely intervention. The board emphasized that this system operates continuously, providing support even outside regular school hours.

The discussion also touched on the technology behind Beacon, which utilizes machine learning to analyze student communications and online behavior. This includes monitoring emails and chat messages for concerning content, while respecting student privacy. Alerts are categorized by severity, with more serious alerts prompting immediate notifications to administrators.

The meeting concluded with plans to enhance data visualization from GoGuardian, which will help the district better understand and respond to student needs. Overall, the board expressed confidence in GoGuardian's capabilities, noting its significant impact on student safety and well-being within the Gilbert Public Schools system.