Medway’s Community Book Read concluded with a panel discussion on Dec. 4.

The initiative began at the start of the school year, when the district organized a community read of “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt.

The community was invited to pick up the designated “community book” in September, read it, and ultimately participate in the December event. The books were purchased by Medway Public Schools’ support partner, the Medway Foundation for Education (MFE), through a grant. The district purchased and distributed more than 200 books. 

“The goal of the Community Book Read and the culminating event with Dr. Gray and panelists was to open a dialogue about how we can more effectively support students,” said Armand Pires, Superintendent of Medway Public Schools. 

During this year’s final Community Book Read activity, about 40 parents and guardians gathered to discuss “The Anxious Generation,” which explains how a generational decrease in youth free play and an increase in mobile device use has sparked a child’s mental health crisis. 

The book also offers parents and guardians practical strategies to flip the script to improve youth mental well-being.

“I think the parents were really engaged,” said Ryan Sherman, MPS’ Director of Wellness. “They asked a lot of good questions and were invested in the topic.”

Dr. Peter Gray, research professor at Boston College and author of “Free to Learn,” led the panel discussion. Other panelists included Medway High School Principal John Murray, District Social Worker Joanna Cyr, and McGovern Elementary School Adjustment Counselor Angela Gallivan.

“Dr. Gray offered some practical tips for parents,” said Sherman. “Like giving children independent tasks to promote self-efficacy and mental well-being. He also provided strategies beyond just letting kids play. Some of the parents I spoke to after felt validated, and some felt a greater sense of freedom to let kids spend more time independently, to let them make their own choices.”

School officials included a note with each book that said, “Together, we can work to create an environment for our youth that promotes free play and less mobile device use. We believe that supporting student mental health goes hand in hand with helping students achieve academic success, which is why each leadership team member read the book this summer.”