Georgia Center for Child Advocacy

Most of us share photos of the kids we love without a second thought. But in today’s digital world, even those everyday moments can carry risks.

In a new Washington Times op-ed written by NCA CEO Teresa Huizar, she explores why it’s worth pausing before we post, and how we can better protect kids online: https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/may/19/dangers-posting-pictures-child-online/

"I saw the coach do things that made me deeply uncomfortable… Am I making a big deal out of nothing?" A parent wrote this to our Helpline recently. Our answer: no.

She described adult-like jokes with 12-year-olds, oversharing about the coach's personal life, and pats near children's lower hips. She asked if this was just him "trying to bond" with his youth athletes.

Crossing boundaries like this is one of the Behaviors to Watch for When Adults Are With Children. It doesn't mean this coach will sexually abuse the kids in his care. Sometimes adults are young or inexperienced and don't realize the environment they're creating.

But when we allow loose boundaries to go unchecked, children learn that it's OK for adults to talk about mature topics or touch them in uncomfortable ways. That makes them more vulnerable to anyone looking to harm youth.

If you're seeing something similar, here's where to start:
→ Document what you saw, in detail.
→ Check in with another parent. Many people see something but feel alone in their concerns.
→ Report up the chain. , for example, has a SafeSport Policy and a dedicated reporting email ([email protected]). You don't need proof to follow up.
→ Consider talking to the coach directly — specific, calm, and without inflammatory language.
→ Talk to your child about your family Safety Plan and which adult behaviors are not OK.

Trust your instincts. You're not making a big deal out of nothing.

Read the full advice column here: https://www.stopitnow.org/advice-column-entry/parent-worried-about-coachs-behavior

From birth, the brain is prepared to form strong, lasting emotional connections with one or more caregivers. These connections begin as a survival need: Without the love and care of adults, a baby cannot survive. But survival is only the beginning. Beyond survival, the interactions between a baby and a caregiver are also the earliest expressions of the question, “Do I matter?”—and the earliest affirmations, “Yes, you matter to me."

Learn more about how a strong sense of mattering supports children's health and well-being in the moment and throughout their life 👉 https://bit.ly/43bXRaX

Influences from a child’s developmental environment shape their developing biological systems, with implications for lifelong health and well-being. This includes everything from air quality to stable access to nutritious foods.

Many of the most prevalent, chronic, and costly diseases of adulthood, such as diabetes and dementia, are rooted in young children’s experiences and exposures. Efforts to address these diseases must also have their roots in early childhood.

Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3P34k0h

It's not too late!

The Cheer for Children Gala is underway, and we are currently seeking Sponsors and Auction Donations for this year’s unforgettable evening, Soft Lights, Jazz Nights: An Evening in New Orleans. Your support of the directly benefits the mission of Georgia Center for Child Advocacy and helps keep children safe. Interested in supporting the event? We would love to connect. 💙

Our team recently completed First Aid & CPR training and is now certified!
We are committed to maintaining a safe, prepared, and responsive environment for the children and families we serve.

20% of minors who have an online sexual encounter don’t turn to anyone for support. 84% of those same minors, however, do use online tools available to them.

The reasons are many, but it often boils down to kids being worried about an adult’s reaction to the situation. To help children in their time of need, informed adults can keep them feeling supported and secure when something doesn’t feel right online.

This process starts with small conversations. Stay aware of how the young people in your life use technology, and keep an eye out for potential red flags. Be open and non-judgmental. And most of all, let the young people know that being taken advantage of online is not their fault.

If you’d like help talking with your kids about child safety, get dedicated guides and tips at https://parents.thorn.org/.