Parents/ Guardians/ Support Network in Partnership: A wider circle of awareness and support

Parents/Guardians/Support Network in Partnership: A wider circle of awareness and support

During the college years, many students are maturing towards individual acceptance of personal responsibility, including relationships with potential partners.

This timing of learning to navigate adult relationships, along with rapid changes in the digital world, creates an environment where interpersonal norms are constantly evolving. This also unfortunately introduces new ways in which young people may be at risk of sexual and relationship harm.

Your awareness of these evolving changes, including the risks, potential protections, and resources — can help broaden and deepen a safety net for your student.

As a parent/guardian, or close member of a college student’s support circle, you are an important and inﬂuential person in your student’s awareness and decision-making process.

CARE-SC recommends becoming familiar with our services and programs, so that your student is a member of the campus community who is well-informed, knows our team is available if they are curious and want to learn more, and is prepared to help themselves or others if a need arises.

We also encourage your students to communicate honestly with others, respect others’ boundaries, and reach out for help when needed.

CARE-SC, as part of USC Student Health, oﬀers these specialized resources and programs to students through the USC Student Health Fee. sconsent@usc.edu

(213) 740-9355 (WELL)

Helpful Ways to Approach the Subject:

Pick a low-pressure environment to bring up the subject.

A car ride, doing household projects or chores together, watching a show or movie where relationships or consent are explored, are all opportune times to bring up the subject of relationships and consent.

Let them know you are there for them.

Try to stay in listening mode, let them know you are open to their questions, about their own choices or the choices in their friend group. Cultivate a sense of empathy for others. Be sensitive to cues when they might be lingering, have something on their mind, or want to talk.

Support their growth as independent, thoughtful, decision-makers. Many of the decisions they will face will be without you there. Remind them that:

1) they are empowered to decide what type of encounters they want (or don’t want);

2) communicating clearly with potential partners is always helpful;

3) treating themselves and others with kindness and respect as they explore new relationships will be a skill that will help them throughout their entire lives.