Teens are pursuaded to send innappropriate pictures, usually to someone they think is their same age, and then threatened to be exposed if they do not send money. Many are ending in suicide when the teen sees no other way out of the situation.
Resources:
Assure your child that you will help them if they make a mistake.
tips.fbi.gov or 1-800-CALL-FBI
Take It Down website: https://takeitdown.ncmec.org/
Report it to the social media company through their app
Requesting desired drugs with emojis and codes, not words.
They always have a plausible explanation other than what is really taking place.
Resources:
DEA - Emojis decoded: https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2021-12/Emoji%20Decoded.pdf
Devices are colorful, small, easy to conceal, and are causing teens a lot of medical issues.
Resources:
Concerns we look for in school:
Are they using a hall pass excessively?
Students who use a hall pass multiple times each day are likely avoiding class for one reason or another. This is when we are seeing a lot of meeting up and vaping.
Are there more than one person in a bathroom stall?
We see no good explanation for why there should ever be more than one individual in a bathroom stall.
Are they seeking hiding spots outside of visual supervision?
This could be outside, blind corners, unoccupied classrooms or spaces.
Do they leave campus without being checked out and then returning?
There is a safety process for students checking out from school. It is always through the attendance office and always with guardian indentification.
Students using a hack to vape a cartridge without an e-cigarette.
Make sure your child can explain to you -quickly and in detail- why each person on their accounts are 'friends' with them.
More to come . . .