Who can my child talk to at school if something unsafe happens?
If something unsafe or uncomfortable happens at school, your child can talk to a trusted adult. This may include a teacher, school counselor, social worker, nurse, administrator, coach, or another staff member they feel comfortable with, including a Title IX coordinator. Your child can also talk to you or another caregiver, who can help them […]
I worry a lot about jokes and teasing. How do I know when something has gone too far for my child?
A joke has gone too far if it makes your child feel uncomfortable, embarrassed, hurt, singled out, or pressured to laugh along when they don’t want to. Even if others think it is funny or harmless, what matters is how it feels to the person on the receiving end. Jokes that involve someone’s body, identity, […]
What if my child’s friends say things that make them uncomfortable, but they don’t want to lose the friendship?
This is incredibly common, especially in middle and high school. Many children tolerate discomfort to preserve belonging. They may fear that setting boundaries will make them isolated. You can help by validating that fear while still reinforcing their right to feel safe. You might say, “I get why you don’t want to rock the boat. […]
I’m overwhelmed by online safety. What information about my child should really stay private?
Anything that could identify, locate, or expose your child should be protected. This includes their address, school, daily routines, passwords, live location, and private images. Many children overshare because they don’t understand how information can be used later. Instead of fear-based warnings, it helps to frame privacy as protection, not restriction. You might say, “Some […]
What should I do if someone asks my child for pictures?
Start by removing shame. Many children feel flattered, pressured, or afraid of losing connection. Make it very clear that asking for images is a boundary violation, not a compliment. You can say, “You never owe anyone pictures of your body. Anyone who pressures you is crossing a line. If that ever happens, I want to […]
Are certain types of pictures considered inappropriate even if my child thinks they’re harmless?
Any image intended to be sexual, suggestive, or private can be risky, especially for minors. Children often don’t anticipate how images can be shared or misused. This is not about judgment. It’s about safety and permanence. Once an image exists, control over it is limited.
What if someone my child met online wants to meet in real life?
This is a significant red flag. Online relationships can feel real very quickly, especially for teens. Any in-person meeting should involve parents, public places, and clear verification. Many grooming situations escalate at this stage. You can say, “Anyone who truly cares about you will understand needing adult involvement.”
How do I know if someone online is lying about who they are? What are the warning signs that someone online may be unsafe?
Warning signs include reluctance to video chat, inconsistent stories, pushing secrecy, moving conversations to private platforms, or escalating intimacy quickly. Trust is built over time and transparency. If your child feels unsure, that uncertainty itself matters.
What should I do if someone screenshots my child’s messages or threatens to share photos?
That is not your child’s fault. Screenshotting without consent removes control and can be used to threaten or manipulate. The most important steps are to stop engagement, save evidence, and seek help. Reassure your child that threats are a form of abuse, not a consequence of their actions.
What if someone threatens to share my child’s photos?
That is sextortion. Save evidence, stop engagement, and seek help immediately. Your child is not at fault.