Parents: It’s Time to Have “The TALK” About Campus Safety

September is Campus Safety Awareness Month, but it isn’t too early to start. As your young adult gears up to leave for their first (or maybe second or third) fall semester of college, it’s time to have The TALK. No, not the birds and the bees—that ship sailed a long time ago. This talk is about something equally important, if not more so: how to navigate the early months of college safely. And if your student is returning to campus, to remind them to keep an eye out for the newbies and to help out when they can.  

Parent and College Student

It’s is a time of transition, a rite of passage into being an adult and for most students, a time when they’re away from home and suddenly by themselves in a world vastly different from the one they grew up in. It’s important to guide your student in navigating their new environment the same way that you’ve guided them up until now – by letting them know what to expect, what could endanger them and how they can handle those dangers – especially now, the start of the College Red Zone.  

And if you aren’t familiar with it, the College Red Zone is the time span from August through Thanksgiving, when students, particularly freshmen, are most vulnerable to sexual assault, alcohol abuse, and other dangerous situations. 50% of sexual assaults on campus take place during this time, because predators are aware of the vulnerabilities of the incoming students.

Young women are often the victims of sexual assault, but young men and non-binary students aren’t immune to predation. They can also be victimized by hazing, bullying and assault. What should they expect? How can they avoid these situations and where can they find support? Letting them know ahead of time could make all the difference. Not a lecture, but a talk.

Culture Shock on Campus

If your child was raised in a low-crime, family-friendly environment, their college campus may feel like they landed on another planet. They find themselves surrounded by thousands of people that they don’t know, many of whom come from diverse backgrounds and bring with them a different set of norms, values and expectations than the ones they grew up with. Peer pressure, drugs, drink spiking, and other predatory behaviors aren’t just urban legends—they’re real challenges your student will face.

THE TALK isn’t about scaring them; it’s about preparing them, the same way that you prepared them for their other life challenges as they grew up.

The Peer Pressure Trap

Remember when your biggest worry was whether or not they’d finish their homework? Now, they’re about to face much different kinds of pressure. Whether it’s the pressure to fit in by attending every party, experimenting with drugs and alcohol, or engaging in risky behavior, your student needs to know that it’s okay to say no.

Talk to them about setting boundaries, knowing their limits, and understanding that not everyone on campus is their friend, nor has their best interests at heart. Encourage them to find their tribe—the friends who will look out for them and have their back. Respect their choices, keep the lines of communication open and support them when they need it most.

Navigating Drugs and Alcohol

It’s no secret that college campuses are hotspots for drug and alcohol use. But what your student might not realize is just how quickly things can spiral out of control. One night of partying can lead to dangerous situations, especially when alcohol is involved.

This is where you can step in with some real talk. Share stories—whether they’re from your own experience or from news headlines—about how easily things can go wrong. Emphasize the importance of staying aware, never leaving their drink unattended, and knowing how to get out of uncomfortable situations. Equip them with practical strategies, like the buddy system or having a code word with friends that signals they need help.

Recognizing Predatory Behavior

Unfortunately, college campuses aren’t immune to predatory behavior. In fact, the College Red Zone is known for an increase in sexual assault cases, particularly among freshmen. Your student needs to be aware of the warning signs of predatory behavior and know that they have the right to remove themselves from any situation that makes them uncomfortable.

Discuss the importance of trusting their instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Reassure them that they don’t owe anyone anything—whether it’s a drink, a dance, or their time—and that their safety should always be their top priority.

A Crucial Conversation for Parents of Sons

If you’re the parent of a young man heading off to college, this talk takes on an additional layer of importance. Your son needs to understand his role in keeping others safe, particularly young women who might be more vulnerable during the next few months of the College Red Zone.

Talk to him about the importance of respect, consent, and being an ally rather than a bystander. It’s essential that he understands that "locker room talk" and pack behavior can lead to harmful actions, even if they seem harmless at the time. Encourage him to step up if he sees someone in a situation that could escalate into something dangerous. Let him know that true strength lies in protecting others and standing up for what’s right, even when it may not be the popular choice.

This is also an opportunity to discuss the importance of empathy and putting oneself in someone else’s shoes. Reinforce that every person deserves to feel safe and respected, and that he has the power to contribute to a positive and respectful campus culture.

Help Them Make Smart Choices

The TALK isn’t about lecturing; it’s about empowering your student to make smart, informed decisions. It’s about letting them know that while you might not be there physically, you’re still in their corner, always eady to support them of the way.

So, take some time now, before the semester starts, too sit down with your student. Speak with them honestly and clearly, respecting them as the young adult they are. It might just be the most important conversation you’ll ever have with them.