Student Behavioral Health and Identification

Before You Text: A Parent Resource on Sexting and Digital Behavior
Concerns regarding sexting (defined as the act of sending sexually explicit messages, photographs, or videos) began to emerge in 2009 as researchers started highlighting possible long-term consequences. In 2011, the Texas School Safety Center created their first online course on the topic of sexting. Since technology has evolved it has become apparent that bullying and harassment can be both a cause and an effect of sexting. This online course has been updated to reflect the current culture, concerns, technology, laws, crimes, and individuals involved.

Before You Text Bullying and Sexting Information for Parents

Sexting Awareness: Helping Parents Talk Safely
Sexting, which involves sending or receiving sexually explicit content via text, social media, or other online platforms, has become a growing concern, especially among minors. While it may seem harmless to some, the reality is that it can have serious and lasting consequences.
In Texas, sexting involving minors is illegal and can lead to severe criminal charges. This includes any instance where a minor sends, receives or forwards sexually explicit images of themselves or others under 18. Beyond the legal risks, sexting can also contribute to bullying, harassment, and emotional distress.
Many teens don’t fully grasp how risky sending or receiving explicit messages or images can be. The Texas School Safety Center’s Sexting resource supports parents by explaining the legal, emotional, and safety concerns involved. It offers advice on how to have respectful, honest conversations with your child—without shaming—and steps to take if something goes wrong.

Learn more: Sexting Awareness »

Student Recognition Training: Identifying Harmful, Threatening, or Violent Behaviors

Purpose:
This handout provides guidance for recognizing early warning signs in student behavior that may indicate a risk of harm to self or others. Prompt recognition and reporting are key to prevention and intervention.

1. Understanding the Behavior Categories

A. Harmful Behavior

• Self-injury (cutting, burning, hitting self)

• Expressions of hopelessness or worthlessness

• Talking or writing about suicide

• Significant decline in hygiene or self-care

• Sudden withdrawal from friends, family, or school activities

Possible Warning Signs:

• Frequent unexplained injuries

• Giving away personal belongings

• Statements like “You’d be better off without me”

B. Threatening Behavior

• Verbal or written threats toward others

• Direct or indirect statements of intent to harm

• Fascination with weapons or violent acts

• Aggressive posturing, intimidation, or bullying

• Use of threatening language in person or online

Possible Warning Signs:

• “You’ll be sorry” or “I’m going to make them pay”

• Posting violent or threatening content on social media

• Carrying objects that could be used as weapons

C. Violent Behavior

• Physical attacks or assaults

• Property destruction with malicious intent

• Bringing weapons to school

• Acts of arson or targeted vandalism

• Engaging in fights with escalating severity

Possible Warning Signs:

• Sudden escalation from verbal conflict to physical aggression

• Planning or rehearsing an attack

• Cruelty to animals

2. Behavioral & Emotional Indicators

Look for patterns, not isolated incidents. Concerning behaviors may include:

• Extreme mood swings
• Sudden changes in academic performance
• Obsession with violent media or ideologies
• Social isolation or peer rejection
• Difficulty managing anger
   

3. Steps to Take When You Recognize Warning Signs

1. Stay Calm & Observant

   • Document what you see and hear factually.

2. Do Not Confront Alone

   • Ensure safety first. In emergencies, follow school crisis protocols.

3. Report Immediately

   • Use the school’s designated reporting system (e.g., Safe2Tell, StopIt, internal forms).

4. Engage Support Staff

   • Notify counselors, administrators, or school resource officers.

5. Follow Up

   • Continue to monitor and document changes in behavior.

4. How to Document Concerns

• Date, time, and location of the incident or observed behavior

• Exact words spoken or written by the student

• Physical behaviors or gestures

• Any witnesses

• Actions taken after the incident

5. Maintaining Student Dignity

• Avoid labeling a student as “dangerous” in conversation

• Maintain confidentiality as required by law (FERPA, HIPAA)

• Focus on behavior, not personal judgment

6. Emergency Response Quick Reference

If there is an immediate threat:

• Call 911 or activate school emergency response
• Secure area if possible
• Do not attempt to physically intervene unless trained and necessary

If the threat is potential but not immediate:

• Follow school threat assessment protocols
• Involve the crisis response team
• Monitor and re-evaluate risk
   

Remember:

Early recognition saves lives. Your role is to observe, document, and report—not to investigate or diagnose.

Recognizing and responding to teen dating violence requires an awareness of the prevalence of dating violence, indicators of abuse in relationships, and steps to take if someone is experiencing dating violence. Dating violence is often overlooked due to preconceived ideas about what abuse looks like in relationships or the false assumption that it is not prevalent in young people's relationships. Section 1 begins with an overview of dating violence for all audiences. Subsequent sections are directed to school staff, parents, and students, each with information relevant to the specific audience.

Learn More About Teen Dating Violence

Fentanyl Awareness: What Every Parent Should Know
Fentanyl is an extremely powerful synthetic opioid—even a small amount can be deadly. The Texas School Safety Center’s Fentanyl Education resource helps parents understand how fentanyl is used, how it can enter students’ lives, and how to spot warning signs of misuse or exposure. It also offers guidance on prevention, conversations to have with your child, and where to seek help if needed.

Learn more: Fentanyl Education »

Human Trafficking: What Every Parent Should Know
Human trafficking is the recruitment, transportation, or exploitation of a person—often a child—for labor, services, or commercial sex acts, by force, fraud, or coercion. It can happen anywhere—even in our communities and schools. txssc.txstate.edu

Young people are especially vulnerable because traffickers often groom them online, pose as friends or romantic interests, or use coercive tactics to isolate them. txssc.txstate.edu

Learn warning signs of trafficking, how to protect your child, and what steps to take if you suspect something is wrong. Safe reporting and awareness are vital to keeping students protected.

Explore the Texas School Safety Center’s Human Trafficking Parent Guide »

Suicide Prevention: Support & Resources for Parents
It’s hard to imagine our children feeling so overwhelmed that they consider ending their life—but sometimes, that’s exactly how they feel. The Texas School Safety Center’s Suicide Prevention guide gives parents tools to recognize warning signs, approach difficult conversations, and get help early. Knowing what to say, where to turn, and how to act can make all the difference.

Visit the Suicide Prevention Parent Guide »

Tobacco & Vaping: What Parents Should Know
Many young people think vaping or “e-cigarettes” are safer than smoking— but they’re not. The Texas School Safety Center’s guide explains how tobacco, vaping, and marijuana use can affect a developing brain, the laws that apply in schools, and how parents can talk openly with their children about pressures, addiction risks, and quitting.
Learn more: Tobacco & Vaping Parent Guide »