5 School Safety Reminders
As kids head back to school, it’s the perfect time to check in with older children about safety, boundaries, and healthy relationships. Here are a few key reminders:
Remind them their body belongs to them. No one has the right to touch them without consent— including peers, teachers, or coaches.
Talk about digital safety. Discuss cyberbullying, sexting, social media use, digital peer pressure, and what to do if they see upsetting, inappropriate or explicit content online. Review your family rules and expectations related to devices. (The Smart Talk is a free tool that helps families set digital safety ground rules together.)
Normalize saying “no” to adults. Older kids may still feel pressured to comply with authority—even when uncomfortable.
Use everyday moments to start conversations. Bring up something from a show, a social media trend, or a school situation to open the door to deeper discussions.
Let them know you’re there—no matter what. Reassure them they can come to you about anything without fear of getting in trouble or being judged.
Back-to-school isn’t just about new supplies—it’s a chance to build trust and keep communication strong. You don’t have to get it perfect—just start the conversation!