Sending off your child to college is something to be so proud of. But this can also be something that’s anxiety-provoking.  You’ll be worrying about whether or not they’ll make friends, if they’ll have good grades, if they’re responsible enough to take care of themselves and if they’re going to stay safe. Safety tends to be the biggest concern for parents.

It’s completely understandable why. A lot of things happen on college campuses, but even outside of campuses. You’ll hear about lockdowns, muggings, alcohol poisoning, assaults, car accidents, and much much more happening on these college campuses if you look on the news. It’s scary, all of it is very scary. But the chances that your child is going to run into one of these events is quite slim. Here are some tips to ensure that your soon-to-be college freshmen are going to be safe at college.

Discuss the behaviors that can put your child at risk

College-age adults are the ones that tend to have their first sip of alcohol, on top of other first-time experiences as well. It’s important to first figure out whether your child has a good head on their shoulders before raising this concern with them. However, it’s also important to still bring up this topic. Alcoholism and other addictions tend to start in college.

This is a mix due to peer pressure, but even the expectation from certain clubs and societies! Talk to them about how easy it is to get addicted and how easy their life can get derailed. But also let them know that they can find treatment in the off chance it ever happens. You don’t want to scare your child out of doing activities or having fun at college, rather you just want them to be smart.

Talk to them about walking alone on campus at night

Even on a college campus, there are risks to walking alone at night. No what gender your child identifies as they can potentially be at risk walking alone on campus at night. Try to talk to them about avoiding taking classes at night and going out after a certain time. If weapons such as pepper spray are allowed, then look into getting them a can of that for their protection. The darkness is a great opportunity for criminals to hide easier, and it also makes it difficult for their identity to be depicted when they do strike a victim.

Talk to your children about their health

Students, especially freshmen, will neglect their health. They’re feeling a high because they’re living on their own, a new environment, new friends, and they will do things they never got to do before. This includes staying up late, eating junk food, depending on caffeine, and pulling all-nighters. It’s a part of the college experience and it kind of can’t be avoided. What you should do though is talk to them about taking care of their health and prioritizing self-care.  If you’re going to send your child a care package, maybe provide healthy foods, supplements, and medication for whenever they’re sick.