Два ДТП с школьными автобусами в Джонсборо вызвали тревогу за психическое здоровье учеников

Two Jonesboro school bus crashes in one week raise student mental health concerns JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) - Two Jonesboro Public School buses were involved in separate crashes during the first week of school, prompting concerns about student safety and mental health. On Wednesday morning, a dump truck struck a Jonesboro Public School bus on North Main Street. Ten students were on board. The following afternoon, another Jonesboro Public School bus was involved in a crash on Highland with 12 children on board. No one was hurt in either crash. Licensed clinical social worker Kenya Ward said the effects of a traumatic event can persist long after the initial shock. “Things like anxiety, which may look like nervousness, panic, irrational fears... many children have fears about their own morbidity,” Ward said. Ward said parents may notice their child having trouble sleeping, seeming more anxious or emotional, pulling away from friends, or refusing to get back on the bus. She said children’s reactions can vary, even among students who were not physically injured. Ward said open communication is key for parents. “I think it is really important first to say: have open communication with your child. Make sure they feel comfortable coming to you with how they are feeling and what they are thinking. And if you see some of these things happening with your children, don’t sit on those things,” Ward said. Jonesboro Public Schools Assistant Superintendent William Cheatham said mental health support is available directly through the school. “The nice thing about Jonesboro and most schools now is we have mental health providers in the building. Of course, we have our school counselors, so we would start with that. So, as a parent, reach out to the counselor, and from there we can assess and find support,” Cheatham said. Counselors advise parents not to ignore changes in their child’s behavior following the crashes, to continue checking in, listening to their concerns and seeking help if those changes persist. To report a typo or correction, please click here. Copyright 2026 KAIT. All rights reserved.