Parents should reinforce:

• Don’t rush into situations with new people
• Always have a friend with you whom you can trust
• Ask advice from parents, friends, and trusted adults
• Don’t respond to messages from people you don’t know
• Don’t except expensive gifts from friends
• If they sound too good to be, they probably are
• If people try to isolate you from your family or friends, there is a problem
• If you are ever in an uncomfortable situation do not hesitate to tell someone

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It is important for parents to teach and demonstrate what healthy relationships look like:

Don’t rush into situations with new people

Instead be cautious and patient and ensure they are who they really say they are.

Always have a friend with you whom you can trust.

Reinforcing the concept of the buddy system at all age levels is important – strength in numbers.

Don’t accept expensive gifts from friends.

Nothing comes for nothing.  Also remind young people that it is important to share what gifts they are receiving. If it is something they would be embarrassed to show their parents, then it is something they should not accept.

If they sound too good to be true, they probably are.

People looking to take advantage of you will say whatever they need to gain your trust.  Its important to have open conversations about relationships and situations.

If people try to isolate you from your family or friends, there is a problem.

This might be a hard concept for youth to understand, so take some time and monitor this closely.