1. Set a good example. Young people learn more from what we do than from what we say. When you are making it a priority to manage your own emotional triggers, boundaries, act calm and confident, and put safety first, you are teaching powerful, positive lessons.

2. Put emotional and physical safety first in all of your words, actions, and decisions impacting young people – including about where they go, who is with them, and what they are doing, online and in person. Make the Kidpower Protection Promise to young people in your life so you are confident they know about your commitment to put safety first!

3. Stay connected in a warm, authentic way by accepting each as a unique individual, knowing what is happening with them, and staying attuned to how they are feeling. Take advantage of opportunities for ‘micro-connections’ with individual youth. This can be any action that communicates “I see YOU, and I value you just as you are!” – such as a smile with eye contact and a warm greeting that includes their name. This can take just a fraction of a second and can make a lasting, positive impact in your relationship.

4. Be clear about what is and is not safe physically and emotionally – including the types of harm that can be caused by social and relational aggression. Posting Kidpower Boundary & Consent Checklist posters in all of your shared spaces can help you address, resolve, and prevent possible problems early, before they grow.

5. Coach kids to act safely and respectfully towards themselves and others in daily life. Our article Practice as a Management Tool for Unsafe, Disrespectful Behavior includes a variety of examples.

6. Stay aware so you can quickly address problems that might undermine a young person’s well-being. Persist – even in the face of obstacles – until acceptable solutions are found.