Understanding the Risks to Minors
Every year in the U.S., over 550,000 incidents of child abuse and neglect are reported—affecting the most vulnerable among us. While sexual abuse garners significant attention, it represents just one aspect of a broader issue. National statistics reveal the prevalence of other forms of misconduct against minors. Although adult-to-child abuse is more widely recognized, peer-to-peer abuse is also a significant concern. Research reflects that many perpetrators are known and trusted by the victim, and 16% of reported cases involve minors as the alleged abusers. Child abuse and neglect are serious public health concerns that may lead to lifelong trauma, including mental and physical health challenges, behavioral changes, and increased risks of future victimization or perpetration.
The Expanding Responsibility of Higher Education
As institutions of higher education expand programs and activities involving minors—such as camps, internships, dual enrollment, and overnight visits—they assume responsibilities beyond traditional academics. With this expansion comes the need to safeguard minors, who, due to their developing cognitive, social, and emotional maturity, are vulnerable and more susceptible to misconduct. Higher education institutions serve as a cornerstone of society, thus bearing a profound moral and ethical obligation to protect minors in their care.
"Children are not a distraction from more important work. They are the most important work." -Marian Wright Edelman Former President of Children’s Defense Fund
Prevention requires higher education leaders to recognize the risks that minors face and implement proactive, informed measures to safeguard them. By addressing these risks with intentional safeguards, institutions can fulfill their ethical obligations and build environments where minors can thrive in safety and trust.
Institutional Risk and Regulatory Compliance
In addition to the devastating impacts on individuals and communities, serving minors exposes institutions to financial, legal, and reputational risks. Institutions must establish and monitor protocols that comply with a wide range of regulations, including but not limited to state mandatory reporting laws, Title IX, the Clery Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Safe Sport Act. Some of these regulations, such as the Safe Sport Act, are specifically designed to protect minors. Others, like Title IX and the Clery Act, address broader institutional responsibilities but include minors within their scope, requiring institutions to consider their unique vulnerabilities when developing policies and safeguards. Abuse-related claims are an increasing source of liability for higher education, often resulting in seven-figure settlements, higher insurance premiums, and significant litigation costs. These cases erode trust, strain budgets, and cause lasting reputational damage.
"Protecting minors on campus demands more than policies-it requires leadership commitment, transparent conversations, and training at all levels." -Kalinda Watson, President and CEO
of KFW Consulting
Laying the Foundation for Safeguarding Minors
Organizations typically operate along a continuum of protecting minors: complacency, compliance, or commitment. Moving toward commitment requires deliberate, sustained efforts to create a culture of safety and accountability. While achieving full commitment takes time, every institution can and should take immediate steps to protect minors. Regardless of placement on the continuum, institutions should lay the foundation for long-term progress by focusing on practical measures, including:
"Institutions that prioritize the safety of minors build trust strengthen communities and promote the well-being of future generations-Contributing to long term sustainability." -Kalinda Watson
Identifying all programs and activities involving minors
Monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance
Developing and implementing comprehensive policies that outline:
Minimum standards of conduct for appropriate behavior and interactions
Mandatory training for staff and volunteers
Comprehensive background checks
Incident reporting and response procedures
Resources (like United Educators’ Protecting Minors on College Campuses: A Series of Checklists and annual insurance renewal questionnaires) can help institutions evaluate existing safeguards, identify gaps, and align their practices with industry standards. By routinely reassessing these measures, institutions can build momentum toward a greater commitment to protecting minors.
THE CALL TO ACTION
Implementing safeguards reinforces institutional values and demonstrates a commitment to fostering a safe environment for all stakeholders. It ensures that leadership is well-informed, prepared to allocate resources, and positioned to uphold the institution’s reputation. Protecting minors on campus demands more than policies—it requires leadership commitment, transparent conversations, and training at all levels. Risk management is a shared responsibility driven by leadership’s tone and proactive actions.
Now is the time to take action—because “almost” doesn’t count. Institutions that prioritize the safety of minors build trust, strengthen communities, and promote the well-being of future generations—thus contributing to long-term sustainability.