Less Screen Time, More Green Time with Dr. Scott Poland

How PSI and Dr. Scott Poland are Partnering to Strengthen School Safety and Student Well-Being

Across the country, schools face growing challenges around student mental health, digital overload, and crisis response. From social media’s impact on anxiety to the increasing need for prevention-focused programs, educators are searching for real, evidence-based support. That is where PSI and nationally recognized school safety expert Dr. Scott Poland come in.

A Legacy of Leadership in Crisis Prevention

For years, Dr. Scott Poland, Professor of Psychology at Nova Southeastern University and former Chair of the National Emergency Assistance Team for the National Association of School Psychologists, has trained PSI’s crisis management professionals. His hands-on work has helped PSI become a national leader in school safety preparedness and postvention support.

“Dr. Poland has been instrumental in shaping how we think about prevention, not just responding to a crisis but building systems that reduce risk and promote resilience,” said Faith Kover, Licensed School Counselor and PSI’s Director of Prevention, Training & Education.

Together, PSI and Dr. Poland have led workshops, webinars, and training for school administrators, counselors, and teachers focused on youth suicide prevention, mental-health awareness, and balanced technology use.

Less Screen Time, More Green Time

In his recent collaboration with PSI, Dr. Poland promoted the idea of “Less Screen Time, More Green Time.” He encourages schools and families to help students unplug, reconnect with nature, and rebuild face-to-face relationships that strengthen emotional health. His message aligns closely with PSI’s mission to empower schools to create environments where students feel safe, supported, and seen.

PSI’s Prevention, Training & Education (PTE) – Turning Insight into Action
Through PSI’s Prevention, Training, and Education Division, schools gain access to practical programs designed to help them move from awareness to action.

PSI’s PTE services include:

Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Training
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Programs
Crisis Planning and Response
Behavioral Intervention and Support
Parent and Staff Workshops on digital wellness and resilience

“Our work is about partnership,” said Faith. “We meet schools where they are, providing the structure, training, and human connection that make prevention sustainable.”

How PSI Helps Schools Build Safer Communities

From prevention frameworks to on-site mental-health support, PSI offers schools an integrated model that combines education, crisis readiness, and compassionate care. Whether your district needs suicide-prevention training, post-crisis guidance, or an SEL initiative to improve classroom climate, PSI can help implement programs that make a measurable difference.

In the coming weeks, PSI will release more content highlighting our Prevention, Training, and Education programs, including a conversation with Faith Kover on how these initiatives can be implemented in your school to create safer, more connected environments for students.

To learn more or schedule a prevention consultation, visit psi-solutions.org/prevention-training.

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