Communication and Support
Warning Signs That Require Attention
Warning signs to watch for
There are concrete signs that warrant a direct, prompt conversation with a child, without needing to wait for absolute certainty that something is wrong. Among them: suddenly hiding the screen when an adult approaches, receiving gifts or money of unknown origin, mood changes associated with using a specific device or app, social withdrawal, or mentioning a "new friend" online they avoid giving details about. No single sign is definitive proof of a problem, but a combination of several, or a behavior change sustained over time, justifies approaching them calmly, without accusations, and openly asking what's going on before the situation escalates into something harder to handle.