Back to School: Real Concerns Students Face
With many schools back in full swing for the new school year, Texas students are gearing up for new academic adventures. Crime Stoppers recently compiled a list of “tough questions frequently asked by students during its school presentations. These questions offer a lens for educators and parents to see what students may be facing as they head back to class.
Juliana Aguilar, one of Crime Stoppers’ education specialists, said she’s seen students’ concerns become “overall more extreme” because of the internet.
Below are the five most common “real, unfiltered concerns that students are facing every day in classrooms, hallways and online,” according to Crime Stoppers.
The Education Lab
Understanding Toxic Relationships
Aguilar said students should be aware of the “red and yellow flags” within a relationship. For example, lack of communication, disrespect or unequal power dynamics are all considered red flags, or warning signs, within a relationship.
Once recognizing these signs, Aguilar recommends students speak to a counselor or other trusted adult.
Related: South Oak Cliff’s principal talks solutions for rising teen violence in Dallas
Dealing with Online Bullying
According to Crime Stoppers, most incidents of bullying take place when there is limited adult supervision. Only 10% of bullying occurs in school, while about 16% happens on a road/sidewalk, and about 27% happens near residences.
School climate can help to lessen bullying, according to Crime Stoppers. For example, promoting kindness in a school’s culture as well as getting more supervision in “hot spots” where students are more likely to be bullied – such as playgrounds or hallways.
Related: Dear Abby: Teen asks for help dealing with bullies
According to the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA), Texas school districts are required to gather information on bullying annually through surveys provided to their students. From that data, districts must develop “action plans” based on students’ concerns on bullying.
Risks of Sharing Private Content
Students should be wary of who they share private photos and texts with, because they don’t know with whom it may be shared with.
“If someone is threatening to send something that they sent, it is always best to report it immediately,” Aguilar said.
People can become victims of blackmail and sextortion, which sometimes leads to suicides, Aguilar said.
Protecting Online Privacy
Crime Stoppers recommends students make their accounts private on social media. Aguilar said students should “post like a celebrity” – meaning they should limit what personal information they post online and be careful of posting where they are in real time.
Students should only respond to requests from people they also follow, or if they know the face behind the account.
Related: Texas schools: A look at new education laws, from cell phone ban to time for prayer
Minors and Legal Trouble
Students can be held criminally liable in Texas starting at the age of 10, according to Aguilar.
“Students should be aware of their digital footprint and what they’re doing,” Aguilar said.
If evidence of crimes such as bullying or vaping traces back to the student, they will face consequences, with charges ranging from a misdemeanor to felony.
Related: Texas’ tax-free back-to-school shopping weekend is here. What it is, and what’s eligible
Student Resources
To report a concern, Aguilar recommends students either tell a trusted adult or use a school’s anonymous tip hotline for help.
On TEA’s website, support organizations and hotlines are listed for students or educators who require assistance.
CORRECTION, 11:19 a.m., August 13, 2025: An earlier version of this story incorrectly said Crime Stoppers collected the students’ questions through surveys. The questions were collected through school presentations.
Conclusion
As students head back to school, it’s essential to be aware of the concerns and challenges they may face. By understanding the risks of toxic relationships, online bullying, sharing private content, and protecting online privacy, students can better navigate their academic and personal lives. Additionally, being aware of the potential legal consequences of their actions can help minors make informed decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers related to the concerns and challenges faced by students:
Q: What are the signs of a toxic relationship? A: Signs of a toxic relationship include lack of communication, disrespect, and unequal power dynamics.
Q: What can I do if someone is bullying me or a friend online? A: If someone is bullying you or a friend online, report it immediately to a trusted adult or use a school’s anonymous tip hotline.
Q: What are the risks of sharing private photos or texts? A: Sharing private photos or texts can lead to blackmail, sextortion, and even suicide.
Q: How can I protect my online privacy? A: Make your social media accounts private, limit personal information, and be careful of posting your location in real-time.
Q: Can minors get in legal trouble for things like vaping or skipping school? A: Yes, minors can be held criminally liable in Texas starting at the age of 10, and may face consequences ranging from a misdemeanor to felony.
