What if I’m worried my child could hurt someone without realizing it?
That concern shows you’re thinking protectively. Many young people lack clear guidance about consent, boundaries, and digital permanence. These are skills that must be taught, not assumed. Talk openly about slowing down, checking in, respecting uncertainty, and stepping back when something isn’t clearly welcomed. Make it clear that when in doubt, the safest and most […]
What if my child shuts down when I try to talk about safety?
That usually means they feel overwhelmed or afraid of judgment. Try shorter, lower-pressure conversations. Talk while driving, walking, or doing something side by side. Let them know the conversation doesn’t have to end with solutions. You can say, “We don’t have to figure everything out right now. I just want you to know I’m here […]
I’ve heard kids are seeing pornography very young. How do I talk to my middle schooler about this?
Many children are first exposed to pornography around age 11, often without searching for it. Social media algorithms, group chats, and suggested videos push sexualized content to young users. Start by naming that reality so your child doesn’t feel accused. You might say, “A lot of sexual content shows up online even when kids aren’t […]
What if my child already sent a picture and regrets it?
Regret is common. Shame keeps many children silent at this stage. Your response matters enormously. You must say clearly, “I’m really glad you told me. You’re not in trouble. We’ll deal with this together.” That reassurance often determines whether a child accepts help or retreats further.
What is sextortion and who is most at risk?
Sextortion is when someone threatens to share sexual images or conversations in order to gain control over another person. Children, teens, and adults of all genders can be targeted, with recent trends showing a significant increase among middle and high school boys. Risk increases when secrecy, shame, or fear of punishment or consequences are present.
How do I manage my own fear or anger so I don’t scare my child?
This is one of the hardest parts of parenting in this space. Your fear makes sense. But when fear shows up as panic, lectures, or worst-case scenarios, children often stop talking. If you feel flooded, it’s okay to pause. You can say, “I’m feeling a lot because I care about you. I want to take […]
Additional resources to help kids and families stay safer online
Google: http://families.google/ Meta: http://familycenter.meta.com Snapchat: https://parents.snapchat.com Roblox: http://civility.roblox.com/families
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 […]