Safety

Staying Safe

Keeping yourself safe takes many forms, from being aware of your surroundings when you are out on your own, to understanding your presence online through social media platforms.  Our safety content covers tips for teens and information about navigating bullying and cyberbullying. Be sure to talk with a trusted adult and let them know how you are feeling if you are facing any challenges.

Tips For Teens

With adolescence comes independence and freedom. Going out alone can be a fun and empowering experience. However, it is important to keep safety in mind when you go out alone.

Below are safety tips for teens:

1. In the Know! Inform parents/guardians or another trusted adult about where you will be going, and with whom you will be spending time.
2. Charged Up! Make sure your cellphone is fully charged and with you when you are out alone.
3. Be Alert! Pay attention to your surroundings — people, cars, landmarks, etc.
4. It’s Lit! Stay in well-lit, public areas. When walking or jogging at night, wear reflective clothing.
5. Tune In! Keep headphones at a low volume when walking or jogging.
6. Hands-Free! Refrain from texting and driving or walking.
7. Check-in! If you are out and feel uncomfortable text or call your parent/guardian, trusted adult, or a friend to check-in.

Bullying

We Need To Talk

Bullying impacts a number of youth from an early age. On this page, we have collected information and resources that will increase your knowledge about bullying, and help you come up with strategies if bullying is an issue in your life.

These resources are both for adults and youth. It is important for adults to understand what bullying looks like and how they can support the youth in their lives. For youth, these resources will hopefully give you some useful strategies to try if you are being bullied.

Cyberbullying

Is It Cyberbullying?

Do you know the difference between joking, being mean, and bullying? Are you familiar with cyberbullying?

Watch the video from CommonSense Media and have a conversation using the accompanying worksheet as a guide. What is considered cyberbullying? What does it take to be an “Upstander” in situations where cyberbullying occurs? Put on your thinking cap and get ready to tackle this very real issue that young people encounter online.

Digital Citizenship

What is Digital Citizenship? Through the Digital Compass experience, you will gain a better understanding of how to make informed decisions when faced with digital dilemmas around cyberbullying, digital drama, digital footprint and identity, privacy and security, and news and media literacy.

Get ready to be a character in the town of Anywhere and walk through each character’s shoes while helping them make important decisions related to digital citizenship. What course of action are you going to take?

Click the photo below to be directed to the game.

Resources