Should my child save messages or delete them if something unsafe happens online?
If you and/or your child wish to report the unsafe actions, keeping messages can be helpful to provide evidence.
How do I talk to my child about respecting others’ boundaries and consent without making them afraid of being accused?
This is a very real fear for parents, especially of boys. The key is to teach clarity and care, not fear. Focus on what respectful behavior actually looks like. Consent is a clear, enthusiastic yes that can change at any time. Uncertainty means pause. Pressure means stop. Alcohol, fear, or power differences mean consent isn’t […]
What should my child do if someone sends them an explicit photo?
Thank them for coming to you and trusting you with this information. If the photo is of a peer and there are no concerns about harassment of your child, they should delete it right away. You or the two of you together can report this to their school so they can make sure it gets […]
How do I know if my child is healing or just hiding distress after something unsafe happened?
Healing rarely looks like a straight line. Some children seem fine at first and struggle later. Others show distress immediately and then stabilize. Pay attention to patterns over time. Changes in sleep, mood, school engagement, irritability, withdrawal, or anxiety that persist are signals to slow down and offer more support. You don’t need to wait […]
Can men and boys experience sexual assault?
Yes, anyone can experience sexual assault regardless of gender. The Rowan Center serves all people, regardless of gender.
What if therapy isn’t accessible or my child doesn’t want it?
Healing does not require perfect access. Trusted adults, school counselors, consistent routines, and supportive relationships all matter. If your child resists therapy, respect that and revisit later. Choice restores control, which is essential after harm.
What should I tell my child to do if a doctor, nurse, or school staff member makes them uncomfortable?
Thank your child for telling you and affirm that they did the right thing by listening to their feelings and telling a trusted adult. You can ask them open-ended questions like: “Can you tell me more?” or, if appropriate, “What would help you feel more comfortable?” Decide how you are going to proceed. In some […]
How do I rebuild my child’s confidence and sense of safety?
Confidence returns when children feel believed, supported, and empowered. Give them choices where you can. Ask what feels helpful. Let them see that mistakes or harm do not define them. Your steady presence over time is more powerful than any single intervention.
What if I do everything right and something still happens?
No parent can eliminate all risk. Protection comes from connection, not perfection. A child who knows they can come to you, even when things go wrong, is safer than a child who believes they must handle everything alone.
How do I know if my child is being influenced by harmful online content without telling me?
Children don’t always have the words to describe what they’re absorbing online. Instead, changes often show up in behavior, mood, or language. You might notice increased secrecy, sudden anger, withdrawal, anxiety, changes in sleep, or new phrases that seem out of character. Rather than confronting them with suspicion, approach with curiosity. You can say, “I’ve […]