What if all my friends are allowed on social media, but I’m not?
This is one of the hardest parenting tensions. Children experience exclusion as real pain. Acknowledge that feeling rather than debating it. You might say, “I know this feels unfair and lonely.” Then explain that your role is to protect their safety, not match other families’ rules. Over time, children benefit from knowing limits are rooted […]
How do I set privacy settings on my child’s accounts?
Privacy settings should be reviewed together, not secretly. Walk through who can see posts, send messages, comment, or tag them. Emphasize that privacy settings are a safety tool, not a guarantee. Let your child know they can always ask for help adjusting settings if something feels off. A great resource for setting privacy settings on […]
What if someone creates a fake account pretending to be me?
Impersonation can be frightening and disorienting. Preserve evidence immediately. Report the account to the platform and document everything. Reassure your child that fake accounts are about the behavior of the impersonator, not anything your child did wrong.
What counts as sexting?
Sexting includes sending or receiving sexual images, videos, or messages. Even suggestive images can count, depending on context. For minors, any sexual image of a child is legally considered abuse material, regardless of intent.
Why is it illegal for minors to send intimate images?
The law exists to protect children from exploitation and long-term harm. Once an image exists, it can be shared beyond control. Even when teens willingly send images, the risks are significant and often lifelong.
Can flirting turn into sexual harassment among kids or teens?
If someone looks uncomfortable or verbally sets a boundary but someone continues “flirting” anyway, that is sexual harassment.
What should I do if my child does not remember what happened?
Having no memory of an event is a common experience after a traumatic experience. It can also be a side effect (or intended effect) of the consumption of a drug or alcohol. If your child does not remember what happened, do not push them to try to recall what happened. Blocking out a memory is […]
How can my child tell if the behavior from someone else is unwanted?
If it makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe, or if it continued after they have expressed a boundary.
What should my child do if someone will not stop after being asked to?
Your child can report this to the school or activity leadership, or to law enforcement if the person is stalking them outside these settings.
Can sexual harassment happen between kids or teens of the same age?
Yes!