North Dakota Tweens Are More Connected Than Ever—Here’s How to Keep Them Safe

Hey North Dakota parents—can you believe it’s already time to sharpen pencils, pack lunches, and watch your kids head back to school? Whether they’re heading to a small-town classroom or a larger school district, one thing most tweens across the Peace Garden State will be carrying with them this fall is a connection to the online world. From school-issued tablets to smartphones and social media, it’s never been more important to help your kids become “internet smart.

Luckily, the folks at MissingKids.org have put together some simple but powerful safety reminders for tweens—and they start with one word: kindness.

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Cyberbullying: It’s Not Cool to Be Cruel

Kids this age can sometimes get swept up in gossip or drama, especially in group chats and on social media. But remind them: being mean online doesn’t make you cool—it just hurts people. Teach your kids the “Ignore. Block. Tell.” method. If someone is sending mean or threatening messages, tell your tween to ignore them, block the sender, and tell a trusted adult. And if they see their friends being mean to others online, it’s just as important to speak up.

Online Predators: Recognize the Red Flags

Tweens are old enough to understand the difference between “cute” and “creepy.” Make sure they know to trust their gut—and yours. If someone they’ve never met is asking to meet up in person, that’s a serious red flag. Let your child know that it’s never tattling to come to you or a teacher, and it’s absolutely okay to report suspicious behavior to the police.

Read More: Lost in Translation? A North Dakota Parent’s Guide to Teen Slang

TMI: Sharing Too Much Online

Oversharing is a common trap for tweens. Remind them: once something is posted online, it’s out there forever. Help your kids understand what’s “too much” to share—personal information, embarrassing photos, or anything that makes them uncomfortable later on. Encourage them to protect their space by using privacy settings and only accepting friend requests from people they know in real life.

Keep the Conversation Going

Most importantly, make online safety an open conversation. Ask your child what sites they visit, who they’re chatting with, and what they enjoy doing online. Creating a judgment-free zone helps ensure they’ll come to you when something feels off.

This school year, let’s keep our kids safe—not just in the halls, but on the web too.