As the criminal investigation into the alleged gang assault of a former Cornell University student continues, parents across the country are turning to online forums to discuss how to talk with their children about consent, safety and the responsibility to intervene when they witness wrongdoing.
Guidance from a faith‑based influencer
Brian Recker, a former pastor with a large Instagram following, urged parents to raise boys who would “stop this from happening.” He told NBC News that he asks his 11‑year‑old son to consider how he would respond if a group chat contained messages like those allegedly shared by members of the Chi Phi fraternity. Recker emphasizes teaching young men to prioritize a girl’s safety over peer approval, even if it means risking social backlash.
Psychologists stress open communication
Psychologists Sumi Raghavan and Becky Kennedy also weighed in, encouraging parents to have honest, ongoing conversations about sexual violence. Raghavan highlighted research linking open parent‑child dialogue to healthier relationships and safer decision‑making. Kennedy warned against treating these talks as a mere checklist, noting that patterns of saying “yes” to avoid conflict can later influence a boy’s behavior in intimate situations.
Practical tips for families
Parents are sharing specific questions to ask their children, such as “What have you heard about this story?” and “What questions do you have?” The goal is to plant seeds early, helping kids recognize and reject harmful group pressure. Both experts agree that acknowledging discomfort is normal, but that parents should model courage and moral clarity.
Resources for survivors
For anyone affected by sexual assault, confidential help is available through the National Sexual Violence Resources Center and the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800‑656‑4673.
Original reporting: Richardson, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
