Online Safety

WHY YOUTH MAY STRUGGLE TO SHARE ABOUT EXPLOITATIVE RELATIONSHIPS

FREEDOM/INDEPENDENCE

Youth may not want restrictions placed on relationships they have developed.
They may not want assistance, believing they can handle the situation themselves.

FRIENDSHIPS

Youth may not want to lose friendships they have developed.
Youth may not want to get the person they are communicating with into trouble.

EMBARRASSMENT

They may not want information or images to be shared/made public by the individual exploiting them.
They may not want their parents knowing what content/images they have shared online.
They may fear getting in trouble or being judged.

NOT UNDERSTANDING THE MAGNITUDE OF THE SITUATION

Sexting (the sending of sexual images online) is increasingly normalized. Youth may not recognize of the situation or that they are being exploited online.
They may not realize that sharing nude images of someone under 18 years old is illegal.

HOW TO ESTABLISH OPEN COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR TEEN

BE CURIOUS
Approach conversations with curiosity. Teens are experienced with social media, and they can teach you many of the features of the apps they use. This can help teens feel more comfortable talking about these apps.

COMMUNICATE YOUR LOVE
Communicate with your children that you want what is best for them. Assure them that no matter the situation they find themselves in, that you are there for them. This can increase their willingness to bring forward their concerns to you.

LISTEN WELL
Be quick to listen. Give children the time and opportunity to speak what is on their mind and what they are thinking without interrupting them. Work together to solve issues that bother your children rather than problem-solving for them.

TALK ABOUT FEELINGS
Encourage your child to voice their feelings. This can help create a pattern of bringing their thoughts, feelings, and concerns to you as they grow older.

RESPECT AND DIGNITY
Promote and maintain your child's dignity. If they disclose a concern to you, respect that it may not have been easy for them to do so. Create a trusting relationship with your child.