Signs that a child is being sexually abused are often present, but they can be indistinguishable from other signs of child stress, distress, or trauma. Knowing what to look for can help.
Child grooming is a deliberate process by which offenders gradually initiate and maintain sexual relationships with victims in secrecy.
Mental health is an important part of safety, healing, and long-term well-being for children and families.
At Child’s Place, we know children may need support for many reasons — stress, anxiety, trauma, grief, big emotions, or changes happening at home, school, or online. Caregivers play an important role in helping children feel safe, heard, and connected to support.
Below are trusted resources to help caregivers start conversations, recognize when a child may be struggling, and better understand how trauma can affect children and teens.
Open, age-appropriate conversations help children feel safe talking about worries, stress, sadness, anger, and other big feelings. The Child Mind Institute offers guidance on how caregivers can talk about mental health in a calm, matter-of-fact way
Trauma can affect children in many ways, including changes in behavior, mood, sleep, relationships, or school performance. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network offers resources for caregivers, including parents, foster parents, grandparents, and others caring for children and teens.
Mental health concerns in children and teens do not always look the same. Mental Health America shares signs caregivers can watch for, including changes in sleep, mood, appetite, concentration, social connection, or behavior.

Trying to figure out how to talk to your child about body safety and other concerns?
Make it part of your every day conversations.
Intentional, relaxed conversations create space for children to talk about what’s happening in their lives - friendships, school, online experiences, worries, questions, and everyday moments.
The “Hot Chocolate Talk” approach builds trust through regular, supportive conversations.

Our “18 Apps to Know” guide highlights platforms caregivers should be aware of, especially those with anonymous messaging or disappearing content features.
Staying informed helps start meaningful conversations about digital safety.
Some emojis may look harmless — but do you know what these actually represent?
🌽 🧠 🍜
As digital communication continues to evolve, youth often use symbols in ways that differ from how adults interpret them.
This guide provides insight into commonly misunderstood emojis and what they may signal.
These tip sheets offer guidance on navigating digital safety from NetSmartz and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children