Kids need to be safe online!
General Tips and Guidance
Make sure your youth serving organizations have and enforce communications policies that protect children. Teachers, instructors, and other youth workers should not be communicating privately with children. Instead, they should use group texts, messages, or other communications, and include parents.
Do not underestimate the level of sophistication that an abuser will use to approach your child. Pay attention to all downloaded apps and their capabilities – even ones that do not seem to be chat-related.
Smartphones and tablets have a “location services” feature which allows devices to broadcast their location to the users’ apps and contacts. Ensure this feature is turned off to ensure your child’s whereabouts remain private.
If you discover questionable communications from your child to an adult or other youth, remain calm. Talk to your child without accusation and with the goal of resolving the situation.
Report sexual solicitation, bullying, or child pornography immediately to your local law enforcement.