Kids today have access to tech and phones at an earlier age. As your kids enter the age of exploring town without a parent and with others who are testing limits or making unsafe choices, make this parenting pact with your friends: Agree to have your children put their friend's parent’s phone numbers into their phones and set some guidelines. That way if they need you but can't get a hold of you, they know who to call next.
Or, if they need advice, but don't feel comfortable asking you, they might reach out to another mom. Even safer yet, if they are in trouble and don't want to get "caught" but want to be safe, they can call another mom or dad for help. Please talk to your kids and ask them to take 30 seconds and do this right now. It might just save a life!