Signs Your Child Is in Bad Company and How to Keep Them Safe

Signs Your Child Is in Bad Company

Here are some of the most prominent signs your child is in bad company —

• Your child has a new friend with whom he/she tries to play when you are not around.

• Your kid becomes violent and throws tantrums if not allowed to play with his/her new friend.

• Your child always tries to portray his/her new friend as a superhero without vices or flaws.

• Your kid starts behaving differently by becoming more rebellious, secretive, moody, and hostile towards elders.

• Your child starts using slang or abusive language he/she has never used before.

• Your child's academic grades show a marked decline.

• Your child has acquired out-of-character possessions that normally he/she does not have access to.

• Your kid starts telling white lies frequently.

• Your child has drifted away from rituals or religious practices such as praying or listening to stories with a moral lesson.

• Your child starts showing an interest in unwanted content on the TV and internet.

• Your kid indulges in substance abuse like alcohol use, smoking, and drug use.

How to Keep Your Children Safe?

After learning about the signs your child is in bad company, you must learn how to keep him/her safe. Listed below are some ways to do so —

• Open communication is the key —

Talk to your child. Ask him/her about what is happening in his/her life every day; ask your kid about his/her friends, studies, online experiences, etc. In other words, get him/her to share things with you and listen attentively without judgment.

• Emotional counselling about ethical values —

Counsel your child emotionally and tactfully, sensitising him/her about the unwanted consequences of losing his/her good reputation.

• Encourage positive extracurricular activities —

Encourage your child to engage in positive extracurricular activities like sports-related activities, painting, music, etc. Involvement in positive activities will help your child deviate from unwanted influences.

• Be your child’s role model —

Be a role model yourself by showcasing positive behaviour and relationships in your life. Children often tend to imitate and emulate their parents' thoughts and ideas.

• Get to know your child’s friends —

Gather information about your child's friend circle. Express your interest in meeting his/her friends and their parents. This way, you can comprehend the dynamics of these associations and fathom their influences.