How to Talk to Your Teen About Safety

I’ll never forget the day my daughter was at Carowinds amusement park in Charlotte, North Carolina. Out of nowhere, chaos broke out—an active shooter situation. People were screaming, running in every direction. My daughter was stuck in the middle of it all, surrounded by terrified people, unsure where to go. No one knew how to react, and it was hard for us to reconnect without a clear meeting spot. It was a terrifying experience.

In that moment, I realized how unprepared we truly were. We had never talked about what to do in an emergency like this. Would she know where to hide? Would she know how to get to safety if I couldn’t reach her? 

That day changed everything for our family. It made me think about all the other parents who assume their kids will just figure it out in a crisis. We sat down that night, still shaken, and had the conversation we should have had long before: What to do if she ever found herself in a dangerous situation again.

Walking the Line Between Freedom and Protection

Teens want their freedom, and we get it! But as parents, we’re wired to keep them safe. It’s tricky—too much freedom can leave them vulnerable, but too many rules can push them away. That’s why open, honest conversations about safety are so important. They help teens handle tough situations without feeling smothered.

Why It’s Hard to Talk About Safety

Talking to teens about safety isn’t easy. Here’s why:

• “You don’t trust me!” Teens can take safety talks the wrong way.
• Awkward subjects: It’s tough to talk about dangers like peer pressure or emergencies.
• Arguments: Nobody loves a heated debate, so it’s tempting to avoid these chats.
• Not knowing what to say: Sometimes, we don’t know where to start.

How to Make Safety Talks More Comfortable

You don’t have to make it a big, serious lecture. Try this:

• Pick the right moment: Car rides or walks are great for casual chats.
• Share real stories: Tell them about experiences—like what happened at Carowinds—to show why safety matters.
• Really listen: Let them share their thoughts without cutting them off.
• Plan together: Work with them to create safety plans instead of just making rules.
• Use tools that help: Safety apps like Aware keep everyone connected without feeling overprotected.

What to Cover in Your Safety Talks

Make sure your teen knows what to do in real-world situations:

When it comes to handling peer pressure, it’s important for teens to practice ways to say “no” to things that don’t feel right. Travel safety is another key topic—discussing how to use rideshares responsibly and staying safe at events can help them make better decisions in unfamiliar situations.

Emergency preparedness is crucial as well. In the case of a fire, they should know how to exit safely, stay low to avoid smoke, and never use elevators. If involved in a car accident, staying calm, checking for injuries, calling 911, and exchanging information are essential steps. When encountering police activity, it’s best to stay still, follow instructions, and avoid sudden movements. And after our experience at Carowinds, we now emphasize the importance of knowing what to do in an active shooter situation—always look for exits, avoid large crowds, and, if necessary, find a safe place to hide.

Giving Teens Freedom With Accountability

You can trust your teen while still keeping them safe:

• Let them manage their schedule but set some boundaries.
• Use check-ins (with tools like Aware) instead of constant texts.
• Build safety routines together without making it feel like a chore.

Our Final Thoughts

The Carowinds scare taught us that safety isn’t just about rules—it’s about being prepared. Honest conversations give teens confidence to handle the unexpected. By setting boundaries, sharing real experiences, and using tools like Aware, we can help our teens stay safe while still enjoying their independence. It’s not about control—it’s about giving them the tools they need to take care of themselves when it really counts.

For added reassurance, discover how Aware can keep your teens ready for any situation.