Looking back, it seems like minutes and not years since you drove your children to their first days of school. Now, they’re high school graduates and off to pursue their own goals and dreams. Your children may not be under your roof each night, but there are still ways to keep them safe without intruding on their privacy.

Have Honest Discussions

Image via Flickr by neeraj_sharma685

Some parents steer clear of sensitive topics like drugs, sex, alcohol, and other dangerous behaviors. Be open and honest with your children, and let them know you’re aware of what they face today. Teach them about safe sex and how contraceptives are accessible online through websites like Condom Sales. Arm them with knowledge so they can have a great time away at college while making smart choices and avoiding dangerous activities.

Monitor Their Social Media Activities

Don’t think of this as spying, you’re simply staying informed so you’ll know if there is something to worry about. If your children disappear, you’ll want to be aware of who their friends are and where you can find them. Their Facebook page and Twitter feed are also a good place to track their study habits, sleep habits, and other behaviors.

Provide Them With a Cell Phone

Having a cell phone gives your children instant access to 911 in the case of an emergency. It also equips them with a GPS system in case they get lost or disappear. A wide range of safety apps are available to consider, as well. Some apps allow the user to set an alarm when they leave work or a party, and if something happens before they are safely in the car, the alarm calls preset emergency numbers.

Install a Security System

If your children rent two bedroom apartments instead of a dorm, you’ll want to invest in a home security system. You can also hire proactive residential security patrols for neighborhood safety. Systems like Lifeshield work wirelessly with their cell phones. Wireless systems have some distinct advantages over older systems. Intruders can’t snip the power or phone lines to deactivate the system. Also, your students can arm the system remotely if they forget before they leave in the morning. Be sure you don’t neglect the importance of privacy either. Help them look for and choose blinds for apartment complexes that will fully block visibility to the inside of their apartment.

Be Available

Even though your son or daughter isn’t coming home for dinner, it’s important to stay available if they do need you. Keep your cell phone on, check your messages regularly, and give them an alternate number if you’ll be away from home. You never know when their car might break down, or they just need to talk.

Trust Your Children

After you’ve taken all the precautions you can, it’s time to relax. You’ve done a great job raising your children, and it’s time for them to learn how to be independent adults. Yes, they’re going to make some silly mistakes along the way, just like you did. But, as long as you’ve protected them from the worst evils, they’ll come out better, wiser, and stronger people because of their mistakes.

College is a magical time of discovery, but if you’ve taken steps to protect your children, these discoveries will lead to lasting memories and life lessons — not disasters.

Jessica Snow is a young writer from sunny Florida who enjoys learning and writing about a myriad of topics. When she’s not glued to her laptop you can find her running the trails with her Great Dane, David.