For Students: Safer Steps for K-12 & College

For the roughly 72 million students enrolled in U.S. schools and colleges, safety is a top priority—and sexual violence is an unfortunate yet legitimate concern. Whether you’re a student navigating grade school or a college campus, understanding the risks and taking actionable steps can help you feel safer and better prepared.

How Safe Are Students?

Even the most reputable schools cannot guarantee total safety. Each fall, students enter spaces filled with opportunity—and potential risks. The first step toward staying safer is understanding what’s at stake.

The “Red Zone” on College Campuses

Sexual violence is most prevalent during the first few months of a college student’s first and second semesters—a time often called the “Red Zone.”

New students may be especially vulnerable as they adjust to their new environment and social circles.

Know Your Rights Under Title IX

Title IX is a federal law that protects students from sex-based discrimination, including sexual harassment and assault. Schools are legally required to:

• Respond promptly and effectively to sexual violence
• Offer support, such as schedule or housing changes, to survivors
• Investigate reports fairly and ensure a safe learning environment

Knowing your rights under Title IX can empower you to advocate for yourself or a friend.

Safety Strategies for College Students

While no strategy can guarantee safety, taking proactive steps can reduce risks and help you navigate challenging situations:

• Trust your intuition. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and leave. Your safety is more important than anyone’s opinion.
• Be mindful of who you trust. A new campus can foster a false sense of security. Take your time to get to know people, and don’t apologize for setting boundaries.
• Stay in groups. There’s safety in numbers. If someone tries to isolate you or a friend, be alert.
• Party smart. Guard your drinks, avoid open containers, and track your alcohol consumption. Have a plan for how to get home safely with a trusted, sober friend or rideshare service.
• Stay connected. Share your plans and location with friends or family. Apps like Find My Friends or location-sharing features on rideshare apps can help keep you connected.
• Speak up if you see something. If you witness someone in a questionable situation, intervene if you can do so safely. Asking, “Is everything okay?” can make a difference. Call campus security or 911 if you feel unsafe intervening directly.
• Take control of your online presence. Limit personal details on social media. Predators often use online information to track where you live, work, or hang out.
• Use campus safety tools. Know where emergency blue light phones are located; use campus safety escorts after dark; and lock doors and windows in dorms and apartments.
• Know your campus resources. Most colleges offer free survivor services, including counseling, security escorts, and housing changes.
• Create a safety plan. If you feel unsafe, consider developing a safety plan. This can include identifying trusted friends, mapping out safe routes home, and keeping emergency contacts on hand.

Safety Strategies for K-12 Students

Sexual violence is not limited to college campuses. Perpetrators of child sexual abuse exploit minors’ vulnerabilities during their school years. Here are steps younger students, parents, and caregivers can take:

Tips for Parents and Guardians

• Educate early. Teach your child the correct names for their body parts and emphasize that no one should touch them without permission.
• Encourage open communication. Let your child know they can talk to you about anything. Reinforce that sexual abuse is never their fault.
• Recognize the signs. Changes in behavior—like anxiety, anger, or withdrawal—can indicate abuse. Trust your instincts if something feels off.
• Understand the risks. Most perpetrators are acquaintances, family members, or trusted adults.

• Monitor online activity. Predators often target minors through social media, gaming platforms, and chat apps. Set boundaries and discuss online safety.

Tips for K-12 Students

• Know who to trust. If someone makes you uncomfortable, even a teacher or family member, tell a trusted adult immediately.
• Set boundaries. Learn to say “NO” to anything that makes you uncomfortable. Remember, you don’t owe anyone your time or attention.
• Speak up. If you see someone being bullied, pressured, or touched inappropriately, tell an adult. You can make a difference.

Recognizing & Responding to Sexual Violence

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, you are not alone. Many survivors hesitate to disclose abuse, but support is available. Here’s how to respond:

• Thank them for telling you
• Ask how you can help
• Listen without judgment
• Keep supporting them

If someone tells you they’ve been assaulted, listen to them and believe them. Then, ask how you can help, and provide resources like RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline. 

If the survivor is an adult, respect their decisions about what to do next. Whether or not they report the assault or seek counseling is up to them.

If the survivor is a child under age 18, notify the appropriate authorities. If you are a mandated reporter, such as an educator, healthcare worker, or social worker, follow your state’s mandatory reporting laws regarding children and senior adults.

Moving Forward Together

Preventing sexual violence requires collective action. Students, parents, educators, and communities all play a role in fostering safer schools and campuses.

By educating ourselves, trusting our instincts, and supporting survivors, we can create environments where everyone feels secure—and no one suffers in silence.